Microsoft Tests Changes to Speed Up Windows 11 File Explorer
Microsoft is testing significant modifications in Windows 11 to make its core component, the File Explorer, respond more agilely and reduce its footprint on system resources. These tests, available in the Insider Build 26220.7523, focus on two key fronts: optimizing how files are searched and simplifying user interaction with the contextual menu. 🚀
Faster and Lighter Searches for the System
The main technical improvement lies in the internal search engine. Microsoft has identified and eliminated redundant indexing operations that the Explorer executed systematically with each query. This change pursues a dual objective: speed up search results and reduce the load on the CPU, RAM, and disk.
Impact of Search Optimizations:- Process queries more efficiently, which is noticeable on systems with less powerful hardware.
- Search in drives with a large number of files without significantly slowing down the system.
- Free up system resources so other applications can use them.
The system processes queries more efficiently, which can be especially noticeable on systems with more modest hardware.
A Reorganized and Clearer Contextual Menu
In parallel with performance improvements, work is being done on the visual and organizational experience of the menu that appears when right-clicking. The goal is to reduce clutter and make the most used options more accessible.
Key Changes in Menu Organization:- Commands like "Compress to" or "Copy as path" are moved into logical submenus.
- Options for rotating images are also relocated for a cleaner workflow.
- A more direct list is presented with common actions, avoiding excessive scrolling for the user.
Next Steps and Availability
These adjustments respond to community requests and are part of the continuous evolution of the operating system. If the test results with Insider users are positive, Microsoft plans to implement these improvements for all Windows 11 users. The general rollout is scheduled for late January or during February, demonstrating that sometimes the most valuable update is the one that simply makes everyday tools work better. 🔧