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Is Windows 11 File Explorer Slow? 5 Ways to Speed it up
Closing superfluous background apps and processes might help
5 min. read
Updated onDecember 12, 2023
updated onDecember 12, 2023
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File Explorer is one of the most essential utilities in all Windows platforms. Microsoft has givenExplorer a revamp in Windows 11. File Explorer’s redesigned user interface gives it a new look and feel. But for many users, File Explorer is slow in Windows 11.
One user told us about the fact thatusing arrow keys to navigate in Explorer leads to lag, just as when selecting items. He even reinstalled Windows 11 using a pen drive.
Why is File Explorer so laggy in Windows 11?
With its fancy new UI, the revamped File Explorer has caused a memory leak issue in Windows 11. A memory leak occurs when an app doesn’t release unneeded RAM. Consequently, File Explorer’s RAM utilization can get very high, which causes lag.
Microsoft is aware of File Explorer’s memory leak bug.The command bar is doing unnecessary calculations when navigating to folders, causing this decrease in performance.
This is also believed to be the root cause of performance issues when using drag to select files, as well as using the arrow keys to navigate in specific folders.
The command bar Microsoft refers to is what has replaced File Explorer’s old ribbon tabs. Thus, that new UI feature in Explorer is the primary culprit for the memory leak.
However,File Explorer acting slowis not a novelty, as this used to be a problem on Windows 10 as well. To fix the lagging, give some of these potential resolutions a try.
How do I fix slow File Explorer in Windows 11?
1. Press File Explorer’s hotkey
First, try going full-screen with File Explorer instead of utilizing it in a smaller window. To do so, press theF11hotkey. When you do that, you’ll notice the command bar isn’t visible in that mode.
With the command bar gone, Explorer might not be so laggy.
2. Update Windows 11
If Windows 11 File Explorer is slow after an update, there should be a patch for it in the subsequent version, and installing the latest updates should do.
3. Close superfluous apps and background processes
If you need more details, check out thisguide on how to open Task Manager in Windows 11.
4. Restart File Explorer
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Press theWindows Keyto open the search box.
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TypeTask Managerin the search box to find the tool.
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Click on the first result to openTask Manager.
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Locate Windows Explorer in the list of apps.
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Right click on it, then press theRestartbutton from the context menu.
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Wait for a few moments while it restarts.
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Check if the app works normally now. If the lags persists, try another solution.
If your File Explorer app is lagging, you should try restarting it via Task Manager. A reset is likely to solve the app’s issues and ensure its proper functionality. To do so, you need to restart Windows Explorer, which includes File Explorer.
5. Disable Quick Access
When Windows 11 File Explorer is slow to open, disabling Quick Access should do the trick.
Can I restore classic File Explorer in Windows 11?
If you prefer the old tabbed File Explorer, you can restore it in Windows 11. To do so, you’ll need to make a relatively straightforward registry tweak. This is how you can restore classic File Explorer by editing the registry:
As restoring the old File Explorer removes the command bar, this might be another potential resolution for fixing the lag. However, it’s more of a workaround than a solution for users who prefer Windows 11’s revamped File Explorer.
Remember that Windows 11 is a new OS. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it has a few bugs like thegroup by option being greyed outthat Microsoft needs to iron out.
The big M has already released one update that’s supposed to address File Explorer lagging in Windows 11, and there might be more. Make sure you keep Windows 11 up to date.
As File Explorer lag usually arises because of memory leaks, some of the resolutions in ourguide on how to fix memory leaks in Windows 10might also help resolve this issue. Although that’s a Windows 10 guide, you can still apply many of its suggested fixes in Windows 11.
Things are no different when it comes to thisarticle dedicated to solving a serious issue: File Explorer is slow. Give these tips a try to speed things up right away.
Don’t hesitate tomake Windows 11 altogether faster and more responsive. Disabling the visual effects is one of the most efficient tips in that regard.
Although not necessarily guaranteed to work for all users, the resolutions above are worth a try. Users who have found other ways to solve File Explorer lagging issues in Windows 11 are welcome to share their resolutions in the comments below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,Windows 11
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
Reviewed byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
