Microsoft Tackles Windows 11 File Explorers Persistent Resource Drain In Major Update

Microsoft has made a significant update to Windows 11 File Explorer, addressing a long-standing issue with excessive RAM usage during file searches. The company announced the improvements in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523, currently available only to participants in the Dev and Beta channels.

For years, users have been dealing with the frustration of watching their system resources dwindle as they search for files across multiple drives or folder structures. This is largely due to File Explorer’s tendency to re-index the same file paths repeatedly, a process that can be particularly resource-intensive. By consolidating these duplicate actions into a single index, Microsoft has made a significant step towards optimizing performance and reducing overall system strain.

The update achieves this by creating a more efficient data structure for searching files. Early tests on Insider builds have shown promising results, with searches executing roughly twice as fast as before. This improvement is particularly noticeable when users search across multiple folders and drives, where the previous method would have wasted significant amounts of RAM and CPU cycles without delivering any notable gains in search results.

The impact of this update cannot be overstated, especially for users who rely on File Explorer for heavy-duty file searching. By reducing overall system strain, Microsoft’s update can help to prevent slow performance, crashes, and other issues that may arise from excessive resource usage. This is particularly beneficial for users with lower-end systems, as it enables them to enjoy a more seamless and responsive computing experience.

Microsoft’s efforts to address system resource issues are also part of a broader push to improve overall Windows 11 performance. The company has been working to optimize various components, including the Windows Search Indexer, which has long been criticized for consuming excessive RAM during indexing sessions. In fact, this issue has become so well-documented that it even garnered attention on Reddit, with users reporting instances of 5-12GB of RAM usage during heavy indexing sessions.

The update is part of a larger package of improvements and fixes that Microsoft has rolled out in recent months. While some of these changes may have raised concerns about CPU and RAM usage on lower-end systems, particularly around the automatic activation of Windows’ AppX Deployment Service via 24H2, 25H2, and Server 2025, this latest update is a welcome addition to the list.

Once testing concludes, Microsoft plans to enable the new indexing structure by default, making it available to all users. This should help to ensure that everyone can benefit from improved performance and reduced system strain. As with any Windows update, there may be some teething issues or minor hiccups along the way, but overall, this move represents a significant step forward in Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to optimize its flagship operating system.

The benefits of this update will become more apparent once it becomes stable through cumulative updates in late January or February 2026. At that point, users can look forward to enjoying faster search times and improved system performance. With the company’s dedication to user satisfaction evident in its ongoing efforts to refine and perfect its flagship operating system, Microsoft has taken a significant step towards improving the Windows 11 experience.

The update is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall stability of the Windows ecosystem. By optimizing File Explorer and reducing system strain, Microsoft can help to prevent crashes and other issues that may arise from excessive resource usage. This is particularly important for users who rely on their computers for heavy-duty tasks or applications that require significant system resources.

In addition, the update will likely have a positive impact on user satisfaction. With faster search times and improved system performance, users can expect to enjoy a more seamless and responsive computing experience. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity and overall job satisfaction. As Microsoft continues to refine and perfect its operating system, it is clear that the company is committed to delivering improvements and fixes that enhance the Windows 11 experience for all users.

The latest update to Windows 11 File Explorer marks an important milestone in Microsoft’s quest to improve performance and reduce resource usage. By consolidating duplicate actions into a single index, the company has made significant strides towards optimizing searches and reducing overall system strain. As users eagerly await the rollout of this feature across all channels, it is clear that Microsoft remains committed to delivering improvements and fixes that enhance the Windows 11 experience.