Microsoft Announces Upcoming RAM Optimization for Windows 11 File Explorer During File Searches

Microsoft is actively enhancing File Explorer in Windows 11 with a new feature aimed at lowering RAM consumption during file searches. This update specifically targets the performance of the search function when looking for images or files, such as spreadsheets and presentations. High memory usage has been a known issue, prompting the company to optimize this aspect for a smoother user experience.

The latest iteration, Windows 11 Build 26220.7523 or later, includes a revamped search bar currently available exclusively to Windows Insider users. When this feature is enabled, File Explorer will intelligently eliminate duplicate file indexing tasks, which means that Windows will perform less redundant work during search operations.

According to Microsoft, the improvements entail:

“Made some improvements to File Explorer search performance by eliminating duplicate file indexing operations, which should result in faster searches and reduced system resource usage during file operations.”

It’s important to note that the search functionality within File Explorer is not a standalone index or engine; rather, it operates on top of the Windows Search Indexer. Although designed to be efficient, the scheduler sometimes executes duplicate indexing tasks. This results in Windows unnecessarily scanning or processing the same files and folders multiple times.

With the newest update, the Windows Search index will reduce these redundant file operations, thereby decreasing disk input/output (I/O), lowering CPU utilization, and minimizing background indexing activities. Consequently, users can expect improved RAM efficiency during their file searches.

Streamlining the Context Menu

In tandem with these enhancements, Microsoft is also decluttering the context menu in File Explorer—a change that has garnered significant attention due to its previously cumbersome design. Recent findings from tests conducted by Windows Latest indicate that Microsoft plans to relocate several less-frequent options, such as “Compress to, ” “Copy as path, ” “Rotate right, ” “Rotate left, ” and “Set as desktop background, ” into a new sub-menu labeled “Manage file.” In some instances, this sub-menu appears as “Other actions, ” further indicating a strategy to streamline access to commonly used features.

These improvements are currently in testing phases and are projected to be rolled out by the end of January or in February, promising a considerable enhancement to user experience within File Explorer.

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