Microsoft Tries to Fix Windows 11 File Explorer Lag with New Preloading Feature

Microsoft is moving to smooth Windows 11 File Explorer startup by testing a preloading feature in the Windows 11 Build 26220.7271 preview, announced as part of the Insider programme. The approach loads Explorer into memory by default, dramatically improving startup speed and shaving off several hundred milliseconds from the initial delay, though it does not fully resolve the stutter that can occur after launch.

The feature carries a slight performance cost, but users can disable it by opening the Folder Options menu in File Explorer and unchecking the option to enable window preloading for faster startup; once disabled, Explorer returns to its traditional behaviour. Microsoft has enabled preloading by default to maximise the user experience, with real‑world performance still to be tested. According to Windows Insider, the aim is to balance faster startup with system impact, acknowledging that the solution is still being refined.