Microsoft Clarifies Inconsistent Smooth Scrolling in Windows 11 File Explorer

It has always been clear to me that File Explorer possesses untapped potential. I found it perplexing that while the Gallery and Home views boasted smooth scrolling, other folders exhibited a jagged, stepped scrolling effect. Thankfully, Microsoft has shed light on this issue.

The tech giant has rebuilt the Home and Gallery views using a new framework, which accounts for their smooth scrolling experience. However, enhancements for the remaining sections of File Explorer have yet to be implemented due to critical quality-of-life features that must be considered.

Fortunately, Microsoft recognizes this problem and is currently prioritizing reliability and performance improvements for File Explorer, which are undoubtedly pressing concerns.

As noted by Windows Latest, Microsoft has assured users that they are committed to integrating smooth scrolling throughout File Explorer as soon as feasible.

Understanding the Lack of Smooth Scrolling in File Explorer

A user highlighted this smooth scrolling discrepancy on X, tagging Marcus Ash, who heads Design and Research for Windows + Devices. This prompted a response from Marcus, who indicated that the issue was under internal discussion, involving Tali Roth, the Product Head for Windows Shell, to shed light on the situation.

The Gallery and Home views of Windows 11’s File Explorer are crafted with the WinUI 3 framework, part of the Windows App SDK (WASDK).This framework changes how animations, scrolling, and rendering are managed, resulting in a noticeably smoother experience. In contrast, the regular folder structures still rely on outdated Win32 code.

While Microsoft has modernized certain elements by incorporating advanced UI components through a “wrapper” or “XAML Islands” approach, these parts have yet to undergo a complete rewrite. Consequently, they follow a different rendering process, which contributes to the uneven scrolling experience.

Tali Roth explains why only File Explorer Home and Gallery view has smooth scrolling

Tali Roth noted that conventional folder views still maintain crucial functionalities, including type-ahead search, automatic column resizing, and various layout modes—all tightly integrated with the legacy Win32 system. Transitioning to a new user interface necessitates rewriting how these features operate, ensuring they continue to function as expected without breaking anything.

File Explorer represents a blend of old and new technologies; some elements are modern, while others are historical, necessitating compatibility across the board. There is a compromise to be made; while Home and Gallery views are visually appealing due to their fresh design, they lack the complex functionalities of traditional folder views, which are more robust and versatile.

Exploring Touch Functionality in File Explorer

In another discussion, a user brought up the need for improved touch support in File Explorer, particularly on devices like the Surface Pro. Tali did not ignore this query; instead, she sought specific feedback and confirmed that they are monitoring touch-related challenges.

Currently, File Explorer seems tailored more for mouse-and-keyboard usage. Although touch capabilities exist, they feel awkward due to limited gestures, ineffective hit targets, and user interactions that are not aligned with contemporary touch interface standards.

This presents two distinct challenges: visual consistency and input consistency. Both stem from the same underlying issue.

A Glimpse at File Explorer’s Challenges

File Explorer’s greatest hurdle is its historical legacy. The application continues to bear the weight of outdated design aspects from previous Windows iterations. While some segments have been updated, others remain untouched, leading to an uneven user experience. Microsoft is aware of this situation and is undertaking improvements gradually instead of overhauling everything at once.

Microsoft’s Dedication to Enhancing File Explorer Reliability

Microsoft is actively addressing deeper File Explorer issues, even if the smooth scrolling feature is not yet fully implemented. Recent preview builds have seen increased folder view consistency and diminished instances of random layout resets.

Downloads folder is set to View files and folders as Extra Large Icons, but opening from browser shows them as list — The Downloads folder is configured to display files and folders as Extra Large Icons, but upon opening from the browser, they appear as a list.

Simultaneously, there is a noticeable improvement in performance and reliability. Through testing, we’ve observed that File Explorer launches more swiftly, operates more responsively, and no longer flashes a white background in dark mode. Additionally, crashes of Explorer.exe have decreased, directly enhancing taskbar stability and overall system behavior.

These updates are slated for release with the May 2026 update, promising numerous other reliability enhancements. Although smooth scrolling is forthcoming, Microsoft’s immediate focus is on ensuring consistent functionality for File Explorer before refining its aesthetics.

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