Windows 11 is about to get significantly faster!

The new Windows 11 update brings more efficient indexing in Explorer, which according to initial reports will double the speed of searches. By removing duplicate operations, Microsoft reduces the load on RAM and processor.

Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft's Windows continues to dominate the operating system market, but some of its components, such as File Explorer, have had a bad reputation for years as heavy users of system resources compared to alternatives like Linux. In response to growing criticism from gamers and more demanding users about performance, Microsoft has introduced key improvements in the latest test version (Insider Preview Build 26620.7523).

The main innovation is a drastic optimization of file indexing. Until now, the system often performed duplicate operations of scanning and cataloging the same paths on different drives, which unnecessarily burdened the working memory (RAM) and the processor. The new update cuts out this “redundant branch” and focuses on a single, efficient indexing method. According to the company’s official notes, this will bring faster searches and a reduced risk of system slowdowns when browsing folders.

Early reports suggest that file searches could be up to twice as fast as before. This is extremely important for older systems and laptops where CPUs and disks are under greater strain. Microsoft has not yet provided exact numbers on system memory savings, but any step towards greater efficiency is welcome at a time when DRAM prices are rising again.

This move coincides with the arrival of Copilot+ PCs, which require a minimum of 16GB of DDR5 system memory. Optimizing core Windows features could free up more resources for artificial intelligence (AI), which is becoming a core part of Microsoft’s ecosystem. The update is expected to be available to regular users in late January or February 2026. Those who want to try the new feature right away can join the Dev or Beta channels in Windows Insider settings.

While this update won't magically turn your PC into a supercomputer, it's an important step toward a more responsive experience. In a digital world where 100% security doesn't exist, stability, speed, and optimization are the foundations that keep users safe and running smoothly.