Windows 11 improves File Explorer and search speed

Microsoft, Windows 11 It focused on the most frequently used parts of the operating system to address performance complaints that its users have been expressing for a long time. Company, File Explorer, Windows SearchIt tests innovations that bring speed, reliability and ease of use for the Start menu and taskbar in Insider channels. In daily use, searching for files, opening folders, and launching applications can go faster. These changes may produce more visible results, especially on computers with large storage space.

Windows 11 has taken a different line from Windows 10 on the design side, but users have been expressing problems on the performance side for a long time. In particular, File Explorer’s slow opening, delays in switching between folders, and slow search results were among the frequent complaints. However, Microsoft stated that for Windows 11 in the quality plan it published in March. performance, reliability and interface consistency highlighted the headlines. The company aims to reduce base memory usage and run the system more stable during intensive workloads.

Innovations on the File Explorer side constitute the most important part of this update. Microsoft is working on changes that will reduce latency in search, navigation and file operations. In addition, it aims to provide a more reliable experience when copying and moving large files. Opening folders faster, completing file operations in a shorter time, and making the interface respond more fluidly can directly affect daily use.

Progress notes shared in May showed that Microsoft was moving this plan to the testing phase. The company announced that it has made architectural changes to File Explorer that reduce freezes, speed up the startup process and make the browsing experience smoother. In addition, performance and power settings that speed up application openings in basic Windows sections such as the Start menu, Search and Action Center have also been activated. These steps aim to improve Windows 11 not only with visual innovations but also with a feeling of daily speed.

Microsoft makes the Windows 11 taskbar flexible again

One of the options on the taskbar side, which was lost in the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, returns. According to Microsoft’s Windows Insider announcement dated May 15, 2026, users can use the taskbar on the screen. top, bottom, left or right can be placed on the edge. On the other hand, the company is also testing options to adjust icon alignment according to the location of the taskbar and open Start and Search pop-ups accordingly. The option to use separate labeled window buttons on the vertical taskbar is also included in the same test group.

The change in Windows Search is also important for daily use. on the Experimental channel Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8493Windows Search Box more reliably places files and applications ahead of web suggestions in its results. Thus, a person looking for an application, file or system setting from the Start menu can reach the local result in a shorter way. One of the main problems with Windows 11’s search experience was due to the priority confusion between local content and web results.

The same experimental version also brings the smaller size option for the taskbar. This option makes icons smaller and reduces the height of the taskbar, thus expanding the workspace on small-screen laptops. However, Microsoft does not offer all of these features as a finished package. The company continues to work on touch gestures, Search box and Ask Copilot support; It does not currently offer auto-hiding taskbar and touch-optimized taskbar support.

Microsoft did not share a public availability date for these innovations. The company states that it aims to improve the quality of Windows 11 throughout 2026 and is gradually testing these changes in Insider channels. Making File Explorer faster, Windows Search highlighting local results more accurately, and moving the taskbar back to the edges of the screen directly answers the most frequently asked questions from Windows 11 users.