Microsoft is addressing long-running performance concerns with Windows 11‘s File Explorer, rolling out a new Insider Preview build with both speed improvements and a redesigned context menu. The update, currently available to users in the Dev and Beta channels, aims to alleviate frustrations over slow load times by preloading the program into memory-a tactic previously employed with the Photos app. Alongside the performance tweaks, Microsoft is reorganizing the right-click context menu, moving less frequently used commands into submenus for a cleaner interface.
Microsoft is rolling out a faster File Explorer with a redesigned context menu as part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26220.7271, released to the Dev and Beta channels.
The update addresses a long-standing user concern: File Explorer’s sluggish startup time. To improve performance, Microsoft is now testing a preloading feature that loads the program into memory in the background. Users should notice a quicker launch when opening File Explorer.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has employed this technique. The company implemented a similar approach for the Photos app last year, speeding up photo loading times and iCloud integration. While relatively simple to implement, preloading does consume system memory even when the program isn’t actively in use. This approach reflects a broader trend of prioritizing perceived performance gains through increased resource allocation.
The current context menu is lengthy.
The move comes as memory costs have risen sharply since the summer, potentially impacting the feasibility of widespread preloading. Applications are also generally increasing in size, as seen with WhatsApp for Windows, which can now consume up to 700MB of memory.
We recently discussed the issue of software bloat in the Živě Podcast:
Users who prefer not to utilize the File Explorer preloading feature can disable it within the Folder Options | View dialog. The preloading functionality is expected to be most beneficial on older or less powerful machines. However, any performance improvements are welcome, even on high-end workstations.
Alongside the performance boost, Microsoft is also testing a reorganized context menu. The company previously explored a more streamlined and decluttered context menu, but hadn’t confirmed whether it would be implemented.
Now, the company is moving forward with the changes, relocating some commands to submenus. Microsoft states that these are less frequently used commands, but they will remain accessible, albeit hidden within the new structure. Here’s a breakdown of the reorganization:
- Commands for compressing files, rotating images, setting a picture as wallpaper, and copying the path have been moved to a new Manage file submenu.
- Cloud storage-related commands will now appear in a submenu specific to the respective storage service, including OneDrive and other supported platforms.
- The command for sending a file to your phone has been moved lower in the menu and is now located near the cloud storage submenus.
- The command to open a file’s location has been moved below the Open and Open with commands.
The updated context menu in File Explorer.
Both updates are being rolled out gradually. These changes may not appear in the stable version of Windows 11 as-is. Microsoft is collecting feedback and may adjust or even remove the features. The Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26220.7271 also includes a console mode and continued support for activities started on mobile devices, allowing users to seamlessly continue work across platforms.
