KB5083631: Microsoft explains how Windows 11 will get significantly faster soon

Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed that it is working to make some big improvements on Windows 11 this year, including on the performance side of things. The company has promised File Explorer upgrades so that it will feel snappy while switching between different tasks and workflows, among other improvements (find the full details in our dedicated piece here).

It seems like the company was not lying at all, as the latest Windows 11 release preview channel insider build has revealed multiple improvements are on the way that should indeed make Windows 11 faster.

A major highlight, as promised before, is the optimization of File Explorer, where the launch speed of the app should be noticeably improved, enabling faster access to files and folders. The update also enhances the reliability of the underlying explorer.exe processes, reducing instances where system resources remain tied up after closing the app, thus refining the memory management efficiency. Speaking of memory management, the Delivery Optimization process for Windows update downloads has been improved so that RAM usage should be reduced.

Microsoft explains the improvements coming to File Explorer in the build changelog given below:

"Improves folder view consistency so customized settings (such as sorting files by name or adjusting icon size) now apply across all ways you open a folder. When you open the same folder from another app, such as a web browser, your preferences persist automatically. This improvement is especially helpful in the Downloads folder when Group by date is turned off.

• Improves the speed and performance of File Explorer launch.
• Removes white flash when launching File Explorer in dark mode if File Explorer was set to launch to This PC or when resizing the details pane.
• New! Adds “preview anyway” button to preview pane in File Explorer for files downloaded from the internet after viewing warning.
• New! Expands the list of archive formats that can be used in File Explorer to include uu, cpio, xar, and NuGet Packages (nupkg).
• Improves reliability of relevant explorer.exe processes stopping after closing File Explorer windows."

Aside from that, Microsoft also promises better system startup performance as well as a more snappy experience when navigating through the storage settings, similar to the File Explorer improvements above. It writes:

• Improves the performance when navigating to see storage on large volumes via Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings > Disks & Volumes.
• Improves performance of launching startup apps after boot (apps which display under Settings > Apps > Startup).

Collectively, these enhancements should be reflected in the upcoming Windows 11 April 2026 C release update and May 2026 Patch Tuesday update. You can find the official blog post for builds 26100.8313 (24H2) and 26200.8313 (25H2) under KB5083631 here on Microsoft's website.