Is the new Windows 11 File Explorer preloading update actually faster than Windows 10?

Why does Windows 11 File Explorer lag even with background preloading enabled?

Microsoft is addressing long-standing performance complaints regarding the Windows 11 File Explorer. Rather than rewriting the underlying code, the company is implementing a background preloading mechanism. This report analyzes the efficacy of this update, its impact on system resources, and why users may still experience latency compared to Windows 10.

Understanding Background Preloading

Microsoft is testing a feature that keeps File Explorer active in the background to reduce launch times. This process, known as pre-caching, loads necessary data into local memory before a user requests it.

This technique is not new. Microsoft has utilized similar strategies since Office 95 (Office Startup Assistant) and currently employs it in Microsoft Edge (Startup Boost). The goal is instant delivery of the application interface upon request, bypassing the initial “cold boot” delay.

Performance Metrics and Resource Consumption

Tests conducted on the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 yield specific data regarding RAM usage and launch speeds.

RAM Impact

Before the update, File Explorer consumes approximately 32.4MB of RAM. With preloading enabled, usage increases to roughly 67.4MB. The feature effectively costs an additional 35MB of system memory. For modern systems equipped with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, this consumption is negligible.

Launch Speed

Under standard conditions, the difference is minimal to the naked eye. However, under heavy system load (e.g., multiple browser tabs and applications running), the improvement becomes distinct. The preloaded File Explorer launches significantly faster than the standard version, preventing the application from hanging during initialization.

The Persistence of Latency: Context Menus

While preloading improves the initial launch of the window, it fails to address the internal sluggishness of the File Explorer, specifically the context menu (right-click menu).

Users will likely notice that while the window appears quickly, the interface remains slow to respond. The “smart” actions within the context menu—such as Edit with Clipchamp, Paint, or Photos—introduce noticeable input lag. This indicates that pre-caching solves the entry speed but not the operational speed.

Root Cause: Win32 vs. WinUI Architecture

To understand why Windows 11 remains slower than Windows 10 despite these “fixes,” one must look at the software architecture.

• Windows 10: Utilizes the classic Win32 UI directly. The path between the core file-management engine (explorer.exe) and the visual interface is direct.
• Windows 11: Maintains the legacy Win32 core but overlays it with modern WinUI 3 and XAML elements via the Windows App SDK.

This hybrid approach forces the system to process extra rendering layers. The File Explorer must translate between the legacy core and the modern interface for toolbars, panes, and menus. This overhead creates the perceived lag that no amount of preloading can fully eliminate.

Optimization Strategies for Users

Until Microsoft refactors the core architecture, users can implement specific changes to improve responsiveness manually.

Disable Visual Effects

Turning off cosmetic animations reduces the rendering load on the File Explorer.

1. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
2. Toggle off Transparency effects and Animation effects.

Result: The interface will look less fluid, but file navigation will feel snappier.

Bypass the “Home” Page

The default “Home” page loads recent files and favorites, which contributes to launch delay.

1. Open File Explorer options (via the three-dot menu).
2. Under the General tab, change “Open File Explorer to:” from Home to This PC.

Result: This forces the application to load a static directory listing rather than querying recent file history, resulting in near-instant access.

Alternatives and Availability

For users prioritized on speed over native integration, third-party file managers like File Pilot (currently in Beta) demonstrate superior optimization. These alternatives often handle context menus faster than the native Windows explorer because they do not carry the overhead of the hybrid WinUI/Win32 architecture.

Rollout Timeline

The preloading feature is currently available in the Dev and Beta channels. Microsoft is expected to push this update to the general public in early 2026. Users on the Insider Build can toggle this feature off via Folder Options > View > Enable window preloading.