If your Windows 11 PC feels slow when opening File Explorer, you’re not alone. Many users notice a short delay every time they open folders—even on relatively new systems. The good news is that one small built-in setting change can noticeably improve responsiveness, especially on laptops and older PCs.
This is not a software install, not a risky tweak, and not a myth. It’s a simple adjustment inside Windows 11 that removes unnecessary background loading and makes File Explorer feel faster almost immediately.
What’s Causing the Slowdown in Windows 11
Windows 11 introduced a redesigned File Explorer Home screen. While it looks modern, it quietly does a lot in the background every time you open it.
When File Explorer opens to Home, Windows tries to:
-
Load recent files and folders
-
Connect to OneDrive and Microsoft 365
-
Sync cloud-based icons and suggestions
-
Fetch Office-related file data
All of this happens before your local drives appear, which is why many users experience lag, spinning icons, or delayed folder access.
The One Setting That Makes a Real Difference
The fastest way to improve File Explorer performance is to change its default launch location.
Instead of opening to Home, you can make File Explorer open directly to This PC.
This bypasses cloud checks and shows your local drives instantly.
This single change reduces background activity and makes File Explorer behave more like it did in Windows 10—quick and direct.
How to Change the Setting (Step by Step)
Follow these simple steps. It takes less than one minute.
-
Open File Explorer
-
Click the three dots (⋯) in the top toolbar
-
Select Options
-
Under the General tab, find “Open File Explorer to:”
-
Change the option from Home to This PC
-
Click Apply, then OK
That’s it. Close File Explorer and open it again—you should notice the difference right away.
Why This Setting Improves Performance
Changing the default view works because it removes unnecessary tasks during startup.
Reduced Background Loading
Opening directly to This PC skips cloud-based queries and loads only your local drives.
Lower Memory Usage
The Home screen initializes modern UI elements and sync services. Avoiding it saves RAM, especially on systems with 8GB or less.
No Cloud Delays
File Explorer no longer waits for OneDrive or Office services to respond before showing folders.
Faster on Older PCs
Systems with HDDs or older CPUs benefit the most, but even SSD users notice smoother behavior.
Optional Extra Tweaks for Even Better Results
If you want to push performance a bit further, you can disable a few background features tied to File Explorer.
Inside File Explorer Options → General → Privacy, uncheck:
-
Show recently used files
-
Show frequently used folders
-
Show files from Office.com
Then click Clear, followed by Apply and OK.
These options reduce background indexing and network checks, making File Explorer lighter and more responsive.
Who Will Notice the Biggest Improvement
This setting is especially helpful if you:
-
Use an older or mid-range laptop
-
Have limited RAM (8GB or less)
-
Experience lag when opening folders
-
Don’t rely heavily on cloud files inside File Explorer
-
Prefer fast access to drives instead of recent files
Even power users benefit from the cleaner, faster experience.
Will This Affect Your Files or Data
No. This change is completely safe.
-
Your files remain untouched
-
OneDrive still works normally
-
You can switch back to Home anytime
-
No system files or registry changes are involved
It only changes where File Explorer starts, not how Windows stores data.
Common Confusion Cleared
-
Is this a hack? No, it’s a built-in Windows option
-
Does it disable OneDrive? No
-
Will it break updates? No
-
Is it reversible? Yes, anytime
This is an official setting Microsoft allows users to change.
Conclusion
If Windows 11 feels sluggish when opening File Explorer, you don’t need new hardware or complex tweaks. Changing one simple setting—from “Home” to “This PC” can instantly improve performance, reduce delays, and make daily use feel smoother.
It’s a small adjustment with a surprisingly big impact—and one of the easiest ways to make Windows 11 feel faster right now.
