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Until Microsoft fixes things, speed up File Explorer by disabling Automatic Folder Discovery
It involves making quick reversible changes to the Registry Editor
2 min. read
Published onMarch 5, 2024
published onMarch 5, 2024
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We have seen countless reports of aslow File Explorer in Windows 11. As per our research, the problem is linked to the new File Explorer itself. There were even demands forfixing File Explorer in Windows 1123H2, but that didn’t turn out to be the case.
While the team at Microsoft is busy deploying a patch for whatever is wrong with the built-in file manager, you could turn offAutomatic Folder Discoveryand witness an immediate boost inFile Explorer’sperformance.
The feature is designed to choose a suitable template for displaying the folder contents based on the stored file formats, sayvideo,image, ormusic. Also, it automatically changes the template if another file type is added to the folder.
So, while disabling it will affect File Explorer’s functionality to some extent, you are bound to get an improved lag-free experience, more prominent on Windows 11. Our recommendation is to disable the feature, and if you find the outcome unsatisfactory, revert the changes.
How can I turn off Automatic Folder Discovery in Windows?
You should now experience a relatively improved performance, better loading time, and a lag-free File Explorer experience. If that’s not the case, simply delete theFolderTypeentry you created earlier.
Remember, while the feature has been present for years, it came to the limelight whenWindows 11 File Explorer kept crashing, became unbearably slow, or was simply unusable to many.
Also, those willing to experiment a bit may try afaster File Explorer alternative.
What’s been your experience with Windows 11 File Explorer, and did this trick work? Share with us in the comments section.
More about the topics:File Explorer,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
