Streamlining File Explorer: How Microsoft is Accelerating and Simplifying Navigation in Windows 11

Microsoft Enhances File Explorer in Windows 11

Microsoft is implementing changes to the File Explorer in Windows 11 to streamline its interface and boost its speed. The latest Dev preview builds of Windows 11 feature File Explorer preloading, aimed at enhancing its launch performance. Additionally, alterations to the context menu will reduce the space occupied by less frequently used actions.

The preloading of File Explorer is expected to result in faster launch times, particularly on devices with limited performance capabilities. While File Explorer launches almost instantly on modern PCs, it can be slower on less powerful devices such as Windows handhelds and tablets.

Users will have the option to disable File Explorer preloading if they do not require it to run continuously in the background. This feature is reminiscent of Microsoft’s efforts to improve the startup speed of its Office apps earlier this year. By implementing scheduled tasks that run silently during PC boot-up, Office apps open quickly without user intervention.

The revamped File Explorer context menu will benefit users across various PC configurations. Microsoft is decluttering the context menu by relocating rarely used actions to submenus. A new “manage file” flyout has been introduced, featuring options such as compressing files into a ZIP format, copying as a path, setting as a desktop background, and rotating right or left.

Cloud file options have been segregated into a separate cloud provider flyout, where users can also access features like “Send to My Phone.” These changes have resulted in a cleaner context menu, making it easier for users to locate frequently used actions.

These enhancements are currently undergoing testing in the latest Dev preview builds of Windows 11 and are expected to be available to all Windows 11 users by early 2026.