Your Windows 11 woes may soon be over as Insiders confirm a faster, snappier OS overall

Published Sep 15, 2026, 11:54 PM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Windows 11 experimental build feels snappy; File Explorer reportedly loads instantly. Microsoft is rolling out Start and taskbar responsiveness improvements broadly; more coming this fall. Insider feedback via the K2 initiative is driving real OS responsiveness changes for everyone. Windows 11 has its fair share of problems, but it seems that Microsoft is finally listening to its users. A group of Windows Insiders has managed to get their hands on an experimental build of Windows 11, and it's already reporting that things feel snappy. And the good news is, if Microsoft is ready to show Insiders these improvements, it shouldn't be long until we all get them. Microsoft reportedly showed off an instant-loading File Explorer to Insiders It sounds very good if true As reported by Windows Latest, a group of Windows Insiders had the opportunity to check out a new, experimental version of Windows 11. This included, reportedly, a File Explorer that loaded as soon as it was clicked, which has been a bit of a white whale for the OS lately. Marcus Ash, who acts as the Design and Research lead for Windows & Devices at Microsoft, said the following in an email to the Insiders: Many of you shared that you can feel the improvements in Experimental builds, especially in overall system responsiveness. That feedback came with a clear ask to keep rolling these improvements out to everyone so your friends, family, and other people in your life can experience them too. Some of that is already underway. Start and taskbar improvements have started rolling out broadly, and you can expect more as we head into the fall. It sounds like Microsoft's plans with its Windows K2 initiative are coming to fruition, with the company taking feedback and making changes that users want to see in their OS. Here's hoping it's all smooth sailing from here on out.