Microsoft is currently testing optimizations to the Windows 11 File Explorer in its Insider Preview builds, targeting a significant reduction in RAM usage during searches. These changes focus on eliminating duplicate indexing operations and reducing unnecessary work by the search indexer, which are common causes of memory strain.
Improved Performance Metrics
The latest updates aim to lower memory demands and speed up search query responses. Insiders report average RAM reductions of between 20% and 30% during intensive search tasks. Searches, especially for images and diverse file types, have become noticeably faster. The File Explorer context menu is also being streamlined to remove redundant entries, contributing to overall efficiency.
Broader System Improvements
The optimizations are part of a broader push to enhance system stability, supporting new cloud-integrated and AI features such as Copilot. Historically, feature preloading improved launch times but also raised baseline memory usage, making this indexing fix a more fundamental efficiency improvement.
Potential Impact for Enterprises
If successful, these improvements could significantly benefit enterprise environments managing large directories, alleviating resource demands on less powerful hardware. Developers might also find new opportunities to build on a leaner File Explorer API.
While initial community feedback is positive, with many Insiders noting smoother performance, some skeptics believe these to be incremental fixes for deeper architectural challenges. Official global rollout details have not yet been provided, but broader availability in stable releases is anticipated in early 2026, pending telemetry data and further feedback from Insiders.
