Danny Weber
15:43 24-11-2025
© E. Vartanyan
Microsoft tests opt-in preloading for Windows 11 File Explorer to speed up launch times. See how it works, how to toggle it, and when to save RAM when needed.
Microsoft has officially acknowledged that File Explorer in Windows 11 feels slower than many users expect. The company says it is already testing a new feature designed to noticeably speed up the launch of the built-in file manager.
Developers have added a background preloading mechanism for File Explorer. This lets the OS prepare key components in advance so the window opens faster—especially right after the computer starts or on the first access to the file system. Microsoft notes that the option is entirely voluntary: users can switch preloading on or off at any moment. The opt-in design comes across as a practical balance between snappier launch times and resource use.
If preloading isn’t needed or you want to save RAM, open File Explorer, go to Options, open the View tab, and clear the checkbox “Enable window preloading for faster startup.”
On Windows 10, File Explorer runs noticeably faster, but in Windows 11, after the interface overhaul, many users reported slower performance. Preloading should improve responsiveness, while turning it off, conversely, reduces the load on memory. Having that control in the user’s hands seems like the right trade-off.
Microsoft continues testing the feature in Windows Insider builds, and the final update is expected to reach all users later this year.