For some time, users have expressed curiosity about the inconsistent scrolling experience within Microsoft’s File Explorer. While the Gallery and Home views glide smoothly, other folders and directories present a more jagged scrolling experience. Recently, Microsoft provided clarity on this matter, revealing the underlying reasons for the disparity.
Why the File Explorer doesn’t have smooth scrolling
A user recently highlighted this issue on X, tagging Marcus Ash, who oversees Design and Research for Windows + Devices. In response, Marcus acknowledged the concern and involved Tali Roth, the head of Product for Windows Shell, to elaborate on the situation.
The Gallery and Home views in Windows 11 File Explorer utilize the WinUI 3 framework, part of the Windows App SDK (WASDK), which enhances animations, scrolling, and rendering. This modern framework is the reason for the smoother user experience in these sections. In contrast, the core of File Explorer, which includes standard folders, still relies on legacy Win32 code.
While Microsoft has made strides in modernizing certain aspects of File Explorer by integrating contemporary UI components through a “wrapper” or “XAML Islands” approach, the foundational elements have yet to be rewritten. This results in a different rendering path, leading to the abrupt scrolling users have noticed.
Tali Roth emphasized that traditional folder views maintain essential functionalities, such as type-ahead search, automatic column resizing, and various layout modes. Transitioning to a new user interface necessitates a complete overhaul of how these features operate, ensuring they retain their functionality without introducing new issues.
File Explorer is a complex amalgamation of old and new systems. While the Home and Gallery views are streamlined and modern, they sacrifice some of the robust functionalities found in traditional folder views, which have evolved over multiple Windows iterations.
File Explorer may get a touch-friendly UX
Another user raised concerns regarding touch support, particularly on devices like the Surface Pro. Tali acknowledged these issues and solicited specific feedback, confirming that touch-related challenges are being monitored. Currently, File Explorer appears to prioritize mouse and keyboard interactions, leaving touch gestures feeling limited and less intuitive.
This situation presents two intertwined challenges: visual consistency and input consistency, both stemming from File Explorer’s legacy. The application carries remnants of older Windows designs, resulting in an uneven user experience. Microsoft recognizes this and is addressing the issues incrementally rather than implementing a complete overhaul all at once.
Microsoft is fully committed to File Explorer performance and reliability fixes
Despite the absence of smooth scrolling, Microsoft is actively working on resolving deeper issues within File Explorer. Recent preview builds have shown improvements in folder view consistency and a reduction in random layout resets.
Additionally, performance and reliability enhancements are becoming increasingly evident. Testing reveals that File Explorer launches more quickly, responds better, and no longer displays a white background in dark mode. The frequency of Explorer.exe crashes has also decreased, positively impacting taskbar stability and overall system behavior.
These updates are anticipated to be included in the May 2026 update, alongside various other reliability fixes. While smooth scrolling is on the horizon, Microsoft’s current focus remains on ensuring File Explorer operates consistently before refining its visual appeal.
