Microsoft quietly sped up File Explorer in June’s optional update | usagoldmines.com

A few days ago, we reported that Microsoft’s optional update KB5095093 brought some welcome changes, including a bug fix for slow shutdowns as well as improvements to Bluetooth reliability. Now it’s also confirmed that File Explorer has been sped up with this update, which should please many users.

This speed improvement isn’t done via preloading (which would run the program automatically in the background, allowing it to “launch” faster when you want to open it). According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has instead reorganized the “Home” tab in a way that boosts performance. The company doesn’t provide any specific details, simply stating that the update “improves the speed and performance of File Explorer when starting.” The boost is gradually rolling out to Windows PCs.

Furthermore, File Explorer’s address bar should now work more reliably and display suggestions faster. Other improvements include better responsiveness when File Explorer is mounting disk images and when changing the case sensitivity in folder views.

In past updates, Microsoft also improved the integrated search function and reduced the time required to print documents and read the contents of storage media.

The improved File Explorer is part of June’s optional Windows update and will be a mandatory Windows 11 patch in July. Until then, the easiest way to install it is via Windows Update or via the Microsoft Update Catalog. That won’t be the only goodie coming in that update, by the way—learn more about new Windows features coming in July.

Tip: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.