By TOI Tech Desk
Publication Date: 2025-11-24 12:32:00
Microsoft has acknowledged persistent performance problems with File Explorer in Windows 11 and announced plans to preload the application in the background to reduce launch delays. The company is testing the feature in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, available in Dev and Beta channels, with a full rollout expected in early 2026.The performance fix addresses widespread complaints from users who experience delays of over a second when opening File Explorer, often seeing a blank window with “Working on it…” before the interface loads. Unlike Windows 10, where File Explorer launched almost instantly, Windows 11 users have reported consistent slowdowns regardless of hardware specifications.
File Explorer’s background to eliminate launch delays and interface lag
While the Windows shell (explorer.exe) already runs continuously to power the taskbar and desktop, File Explorer itself doesn’t remain open in the background. Microsoft’s new approach will keep File Explorer…