Microsoft Speeds Windows 11 File Deletion in Build 26300.8935 by at Least 30%
Updated
Updated · WindowsLatest · Jul 26
Microsoft Speeds Windows 11 File Deletion in Build 26300.8935 by at Least 30%
3 articles · Updated · WindowsLatest · Jul 26
Summary
Build 26300.8935 lets Windows 11 File Explorer delete large, fragmented files faster in certain scenarios, marking the first Insider changelog entry for the long-promised fix.
Fragmentation had slowed deletions for decades because NTFS must clear each file fragment individually; the lag is most noticeable on drives nearing capacity, even on SSDs.
File Explorer Home also opens faster and feels more responsive in the build, while the Recommended file carousel now supports touch scrolling.
All three changes are rolling out gradually to Insiders in the Experimental channel as Microsoft continues a broader 2026 push to fix File Explorer sluggishness and modernize the app.