If File Explorer is getting increasingly slower on your Windows 11 computer, the problem is most likely occurring due to a cache issue. This is a widespread issue that causes the application to work slowly, lag, and hang during undemanding tasks. Affected users report they are unable to open files because the loading screen takes a lot of time or doesn’t load at all. This issue is specific to the latest Windows 11 builds.

The most common reasons why this happens are a cache issue, a scenario in which the Quick access menu has too many pinned folders, or a scenario where there’s interference caused by a series of Office applications. 

Here are a few confirmed methods that should help you fix the general slowness of File Explorer:

1. Restart your computer

If you’re just starting to troubleshoot this issue, start with a simple restart. File Explorer might run slow simply because you have the habit of putting your PC to sleep instead of shutting it down.

This is not a problem with configurations with lots of available RAM, but it’s frequent with configurations using under 8 GB of RAM. 

A simple restart of the computer should be enough to eliminate all these problems that are affecting it. 

To do it is to open the Start menu and click on the Power button.

Click on the Restart button and let your computer reboot completely.

Once it boots back, open File Explorer to see if it still runs slowly.

2. Use the Fullscreen mode

You can also use enter Fullscreen mode when using File Explorer to remediate this issue. Some background apps might affect the app causing lag problems.

Note: When you open File Explore in Full-screen mode, the PC will dedicate additional resources to the app that’s put in focus mode. This is helpful if you are doing something resource-consuming in File Explorer and you’re looking for that extra boost. 

When you open File Explorer, press the F11 key to enter the Fullscreen mode.

Now carry on the operation that was previously slowing down your PC and see if the issue is better now. 

3. Disable the Show files from Office.com option

File Explorer might be affected by a setting that is enabled inside the Folder Options. This setting allows File Explorer to show all the Office files, which could be the cause for this issue. 

Note: This could affect File Explorer even if you don’t have any Office files.

Access the Folder Options and disable it from the Privacy section. See if this will do any better when using the app.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer and click on the See more(three dots) button located on the top right side. 
2. Click on the Options button to open the Folder Options.

   

3. Find the Show files from Office.com option and disable it.
4. Click on Apply to save the changes.

   

5. Click on OK to close the Options.
6. Restart File Explorer, then test it to see iff it still works slowly.

4. Remove the Quick Access shortcuts

The Quick Access menu might affect File Explorer if there are a larger number of folders pinned down. A bigger number of folders could slow the app down.

You can go to the Folder Options and disable two options that will not let any new folder appear in the Quick Access and Recent folders.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Inside the File Explorer, expand the See more menu and select the Options button.

   

2. Now go to the Show recently used files option and uncheck the box associated with it.
3. Repeat the process with the other option name Show frequently used folders

   

4. Click on Apply to save the changes and OK to close the Folder Options.
5. Use File Explorer to see if the error has been fixed.

5. Clear the history

Your Windows 11 File Explorer is slow problem might also be caused by the history. All the files from the Recent and Quick Access folders inside File Explorer will be cleared.

All you need to do is to go to the Folder Options and you will see the option. Click on it and the files will be deleted right away.

Here is how you can do this:

1. From the File Explorer main menu open the See more menu and choose the Options setting.

   

2. Go to the Privacy settings and click on the Clear button.

   

3. Close the Folder Options and restart File Explorer.
4. Now test to see if the error still appears.