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Is Your Windows 11 File Explorer Running Slow After the Latest Update?
Windows 11 users face frustrating desktop issues after upgrading to version 25H2 (Build 26200.7171). Desktop icons freeze and stop responding to clicks, making normal computer use nearly impossible. This problem affects multiple computers, including personal laptops and work machines. The issue happens daily and impacts users across different systems.
Quick Fix That Works
A simple workaround helps users regain control. Click any program icon on the taskbar first. The taskbar still works when the desktop freezes. After opening a program from the taskbar, desktop icons become clickable again. This temporary solution gets you working, though it becomes annoying when repeated throughout the day.
File Explorer Loads Too Slow
Microsoft admitted File Explorer takes too long to open in Windows 11. Instead of fixing the core problem, the company plans to keep File Explorer running in the background all the time. This preload feature will launch with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 and roll out to everyone in early 2026.
Users who don’t want File Explorer eating up memory can turn off this feature:
- Open Folder Options.
- Click the View tab.
- Uncheck “Enable window preloading for faster launch times“.
Why Windows 11 Keeps Breaking
Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 core features contain broken code. The July 2025 update KB5062553 damaged system components using XAML, a framework that builds user interfaces. These bugs affect business computers and school systems the most. Microsoft took months to acknowledge these widespread problems.
Other Known Bugs in Windows 11 25H2
- Taskbar icons show default pictures instead of proper program icons
- Task Manager creates duplicate processes when closed multiple times
- Custom icons from network locations fail to load
- Snipping Tool crashes and creates empty screenshot files
People Aren’t Switching to Windows 11
Windows 11 finally passed Windows 10 in July 2025 with 52% market share. This happened almost four years after launch, much slower than Windows 10’s adoption rate. Strict hardware requirements block many computers from upgrading. Users stick with Windows 10 or explore other operating systems instead of dealing with Windows 11 problems.