Windows 11 is updating File Explorer to speed up performance and reduce clutter, with preloading turned on by default and redesigned context menus.

Cloud file options are moved to a dedicated cloud provider flyout, which now also includes the Send to My Phone feature.

Users will have the option to disable preloading if they prefer not to have background preload activity.

These changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve performance and usability in File Explorer.

Developer preview builds introduce File Explorer preloading to boost launch times, especially on lower-end devices.

Context menu clutter is reduced by moving rarely used actions into sub menus, and a new manage file flyout adds options such as compress to ZIP, copy as path, set as desktop background, and rotate images.

The updates are currently in Dev preview and are slated to roll out to all Windows 11 users in early 2026.