As Windows 10 officially reaches the end of its support lifecycle, users are faced with a pivotal decision: whether to transition to Windows 11. For those who have already made the leap, a promising development is on the horizon. Microsoft is currently testing a feature that aims to enhance the performance of File Explorer, a crucial component of its latest operating system.
Recent release notes from Windows 11’s preview builds indicate that Microsoft is experimenting with a preloading feature designed to load File Explorer in the background prior to user interaction. The company assures users that this enhancement will be largely invisible, yet it is expected to result in a noticeably quicker launch of File Explorer when needed. Currently, this feature is available exclusively in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 for the Dev and Beta channels, suggesting that it may take several months before it becomes accessible in the retail version of Windows 11.
Not ready to fully commit
While the prospect of improved performance is enticing, there is no guarantee that this feature will make its way to the public. The language in the release notes indicates that Microsoft is still “exploring” the viability of this enhancement, leaving room for potential modifications before its official rollout. This cautious approach underscores the importance of user feedback in refining new functionalities.
For those operating on the Dev or Beta builds of Windows 11, the preloading feature may be available as early as this week. Users can enable it by navigating to the File Explorer settings and selecting Enable window preloading for faster launch times. Additionally, Microsoft encourages users to report any bugs or issues encountered while utilizing this feature through the Feedback Hub on Windows 11, which will aid in assessing its overall effectiveness.
In the meantime, a known bug within Windows 11 can also expedite File Explorer’s performance. By double-tapping Control + F11, users can toggle File Explorer into and out of full-screen mode, resulting in a temporary speed boost. However, it is important to note that this workaround may disrupt other system functionalities, so users should proceed with caution. Alternatively, exploring third-party File Explorer applications could provide additional options, although results may vary.
