Performance Enhancements for File Explorer
In a noteworthy update for users who frequently work with zipped files, Microsoft has made significant strides in optimizing the extraction process within File Explorer. The latest Windows 11 Preview Build, specifically Build 27818, has been released to Insiders on the Canary Channel, promising enhanced performance during file extraction.
This update particularly shines when unzipping large archives filled with numerous small files, a task that can often be time-consuming. Microsoft subtly highlighted this improvement in the changelog under the “Fixes” section, stating, “Did some more work to improve the performance of extracting zipped files in File Explorer, particularly where you’re unzipping a large number of small files.” While specific metrics detailing the performance boost would have been beneficial, users are encouraged to share their experiences with this build, especially if they regularly handle extensive zip files.
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This enhancement is part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to refine how archived files are handled in Windows 11. Last year, the company introduced native support for various compressed file formats, including RAR, 7z, and TAR, allowing users to open and view these files directly in File Explorer. However, the extraction of these formats still necessitates the use of external utilities.
In addition to the zip extraction improvements, Build 27818 also brings a change to the user experience in File Explorer. The update removes the “suggested actions” feature that previously appeared when copying items such as phone numbers or dates to the clipboard. This feature offered quick options to create calendar events or launch dialer applications, typically Skype. However, with Microsoft planning to retire Skype on May 5, as part of a shift towards Teams, this removal aligns with the company’s strategic direction.
For those keen on exploring the full range of changes and enhancements in this build, Microsoft has provided a comprehensive overview on its Insider blog, detailing what users can expect in future stable releases.
