How to Enable or Disable Window Preloading in File Explorer on Windows 11
Window preloading in Windows 11’s File Explorer speeds up how quickly folders open.
This feature keeps a background process running, so folders seem to appear instantly when you click them.
Microsoft first added this experimental feature in Windows 11 build 26220.7271. Its goal is to make File Explorer feel faster, especially after your computer has been sleeping.
When preloading is on, your computer gets ready file information and small picture previews in your computer’s memory. This can make your PC feel snappier when you open folders.
Open File Explorer, click the three-dot menu, select Options, and go to the View tab. Check or uncheck “Enable window preloading” to toggle the feature.
Option 1Enable or Disable Preloading via Folder Options
Turning File Explorer preloading on or off is possible using the Folder Options menu. This setting helps File Explorer launch faster by preparing elements in the background. Open File Explorer, click the three dots, select Options, go to the View tab, and check or uncheck the box for ‘Enable window preloading’.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the three-dot menu (…) at the top and select Options.
- Click the View tab.
- Look for Enable window preloading for faster launch times.
- Check the box to enable it or uncheck it to disable it .
- Click OK.
Option 2Enable or Disable Preloading via Registry Editor
Those comfortable with advanced settings can change File Explorer preloading using the Registry Editor. This method requires administrator privileges. While powerful, it’s important to be careful when editing the registry. You’ll need to find a specific key to either enable or disable the preloading feature.
Changing File Explorer’s window preloading settings in Windows 11 requires administrator privileges. Users must log in with an administrator account to access and modify the required registry keys. This ensures system-level changes are made securely, preventing unauthorized modifications.
- Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it ShouldPrelaunchFileExplorer.
- Double-click the value. Set it to 1 to enable or 0 to disable.
- Restart your computer to apply changes.
Hardware Impact and Performance Analysis
Enabling File Explorer preloading uses some of your computer’s background resources, but the impact is typically minor, especially on newer machines with fast storage.
Summary
File Explorer preloading is a Windows 11 feature that speeds up File Explorer opening times. You can control this setting through Folder Options or the Registry Editor. While File Explorer preloading improves performance, it uses background resources. If your computer runs slowly, turning off preloading can free up resources.
Does preloading affect SSD lifespan?
No, preloading does not significantly affect SSD lifespan. The feature primarily uses RAM to cache metadata and thumbnails. It does not perform constant heavy write operations that would wear out modern solid-state drives, making it safe for daily use on all standard hardware configurations.
Should gamers disable File Explorer preloading?
Gamers generally do not need to disable this. While it uses a tiny amount of memory, the impact on game performance is non-existent. If you are running on a machine with very limited RAM, disabling it might save a few megabytes, but it is rarely necessary for gaming stability.
Can preloading cause File Explorer to crash?
While rare, any background process can potentially conflict with third-party shell extensions. If you notice File Explorer crashing frequently, try disabling the preloading feature to see if the stability improves. You can always report such issues via the Windows Feedback Hub for Microsoft to investigate.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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