File Explorer Preloading in Windows 11 Doubles RAM Usage

22 Jun 2026

Microsoft has begun preloading File Explorer on Windows 11 as part of its effort to improve launch times. This update appears in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) within both the Dev and Beta channels. The approach seeks to offer a quicker startup experience for users.

Performance and Memory Use

Testing reveals preloading marginally reduces launch latency, though the File Explorer now uses nearly twice the memory, increasing from approximately 35 MB to 67.4 MB. This increase is attributable to background processes necessary for preloading.

The change offers users only a slight perceived benefit, noticeable mainly in slowed-down video comparisons rather than everyday use. Core responsiveness issues still dominate, with actions like loading context menus remaining sluggish.

Underlying Issues and Visual Tweaks

While the preloading may seem to accelerate launch speed, it does not address deeper performance regressions attributed to Windows 11's use of modern WinUI/XAML over the older Win32 UI.

Some suggest that disabling transparency and animation effects might create a perception of speed, but these are merely cosmetic changes that do not solve the inherent inefficiencies introduced by additional UI layers.

Top charts for

uTorrent

uTorrent

Latest update uTorrent download for free for Windows PC or Android mobile

5
1032 reviews
7511244
downloads
Zona

Zona

Latest update Zona download for free for Windows PC or Android mobile

4
614 reviews
1736504
downloads
WinRAR

WinRAR

Streamline file management with fast compression, secure your documents, and save space.

5
735 reviews
747023
downloads
Minecraft

Minecraft

Shape environments, explore vast worlds, and survive against monsters with endless creativity.

5
750 reviews
499963
downloads

Comments (0)

Создание новых комментариев временно недоступно.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!