How to Enable or Disable Window Preloading in File Explorer on Windows 11
Window preloading in File Explorer keeps a background process active so folders open instantly. Microsoft added this feature in build 26220.7271 to speed up file browsing, especially after your computer wakes from sleep.
The feature loads file details and small picture previews into your computer’s memory ahead of time. You can turn window preloading on or off depending on whether you want faster folder speeds or lower memory use.
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
File Explorer preloading can be turned on or off directly through the Folder Options menu in Windows 11. This built-in setting controls whether Windows loads folder windows in the background to make them open faster. You can change this behavior by opening the Folder Options window from the three-dot menu and adjusting the settings on the View tab.
- 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
File Explorer preloading can also be managed using the Registry Editor if you prefer a system-level tweak. Registry Editor is a powerful tool used to change advanced Windows settings , so you should back up your registry before making any changes. You can access this setting by opening the Registry Editor and browsing to the correct Windows software path.
Tweaking this setting via the registry requires an administrator account to ensure system files remain secure.
- Press Win+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 consumes minor background resources, though modern machines equipped with fast storage notice almost no impact.
Summary
File Explorer preloading is a Windows 11 capability that accelerates folder opening speeds through configuration in Folder Options or the Registry Editor. Performance improves while background resources remain dedicated to the task. Disabling the feature frees up those resources should system performance lag.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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