What's changing, why Microsoft is doing this, what it means for privacy and performance, and how to prepare.
Starting early 2026, File Explorer will automatically preload when Windows starts. This means:
⚠️ Important Clarification
This update only affects launch speed. Folder navigation, file operations, search performance, and network drive access remain unchanged. The slow parts of File Explorer stay slow.
November 2025
Microsoft admits "File Explorer is slow" and announces background preloading solution for early 2026.
December 2025 - January 2026
Feature testing in Windows Insider builds. Early feedback and performance metrics collected.
Early 2026 (Estimated: Feb-Mar)
Feature rolls out to all Windows 11 users via Windows Update. Phased rollout over several weeks.
Mid 2026+
Microsoft monitors performance, battery impact, and user feedback. Potential adjustments to resource usage.
Microsoft's own admission: "File Explorer is slow and can take longer than usual to load."
Users have complained for years about File Explorer's slow launch time, especially on slower hardware or after Windows updates. This impacts perceived Windows performance.
Easier than fixing File Explorer's core architecture. Preloading is a "quick win" that improves one metric (launch time) without addressing deeper performance issues in folder navigation, search, or network operations.
Chrome, Spotify, and other apps use similar preloading strategies. However, those are typically opt-in, and File Explorer 2026 will be opt-out by default.
Always-On Monitoring
Background process could monitor file system activity
Telemetry Collection
Usage data sent to Microsoft servers
Opt-Out by Default
Runs without explicit user consent
Constant RAM Usage
50-150MB allocated 24/7
Battery Drain (Laptops)
2-5% reduction in battery life
CPU Cycles
Background process consumes resources
Use Diwadi for file operations instead of File Explorer. Benefits:
Steps (available after update in early 2026):
⚠️ Note: Disabling returns you to slow File Explorer launch. You sacrifice speed for privacy.
Keep background preloading enabled. Get faster launch time but accept:
Microsoft announced (November 2025) that the update will launch in early 2026. Exact date TBA. It will roll out via Windows Update automatically to Windows 11 users.
Yes, as part of Windows 11 updates. However, you can disable the background preloading feature in Settings after the update installs.
File Explorer will preload in background at Windows startup. This means it's always running (even when not visible) to provide instant launch when you open it. The core File Explorer functionality remains the same.
No. It only speeds up initial File Explorer window opening. Once opened, folder navigation, file operations, search, and network drives remain at current speeds.
Yes, via Folder Options settings (exact location TBA when update releases). But disabling it returns you to slow File Explorer launch times.
Always-on background process can monitor file system activity, collect telemetry, and send data to Microsoft. It's opt-out (enabled by default), not opt-in, raising control concerns.
Estimated 50-150MB constantly allocated for the background process, based on current File Explorer memory usage patterns.
Consider alternatives like Diwadi if you value privacy and minimal resource usage. Or plan to disable background preloading after update (though that negates the speed benefit).
Don't wait for Microsoft's band-aid solution. Switch to Diwadi for AI-powered file operations without privacy concerns or background processes.