Microsoft has rolled out a small but helpful change in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523. This update makes File Explorer searches faster and uses less memory by stopping unnecessary repeated work when indexing files.
The fix targets the Windows Search system that powers File Explorer searches. Before, it sometimes scanned the same files multiple times, which used extra RAM, CPU power, and disk activity.
This made the computer feel slower, especially on older machines or during big searches. Now, the update removes those duplicate steps, leading to quicker results and lower resource use.
Microsoft shared in the release notes: “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.”
This change is rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. To get it sooner, turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Settings > Windows Update. It’s being tested carefully before reaching all users, likely in early 2026 stable updates.
Early feedback from Insiders is positive, with reports of smoother performance during searches and less memory pressure. It’s a quiet fix, but one that helps with common complaints about File Explorer feeling heavy.
If you’re an Insider on Build 26220.7523 or newer, you might already see the benefits. For everyone else, this should make everyday file hunting a bit easier soon. Keep an eye on Windows Update!
