Windows File Explorer is Getting Some Much Needed Upgrades

Microsoft is testing new changes to File Explorer in the latest Windows 11 Dev preview builds. The company has added File Explorer preloading “to help improve File Explorer launch performance.” This feature is designed to make the tool open faster, especially on devices with limited performance. While File Explorer opens almost instantly on modern PCs, it often loads more slowly on handhelds and tablets.

Users will have the option to disable File Explorer preloading so it does not run continuously in the background. Microsoft notes that most PCs will not need to preload File Explorer. The update follows similar work the company applied to its Office apps earlier this year, where a silent startup task improved the launch speed of Word.

Microsoft has also redesigned the File Explorer context menu to reduce clutter. The company is moving less commonly used actions into submenus. A new “manage file” flyout now contains options such as compress to ZIP, copy as a path, set as desktop background, and rotate right or left.

This should help users find options they’re looking for faster than before, especially if they aren’t used to Windows 11.

Cloud file features have been moved into a separate cloud provider flyout, which also includes Send to My Phone. The changes produce a cleaner menu and make frequently used actions easier to locate.

Microsoft is testing all of these updates in the current Windows 11 Dev preview builds. The company expects to roll them out to all Windows 11 users in early 2026.