Windows 11 File Explorer’s Zip Extraction Upgrade: A Welcome Boost in Performance
Microsoft’s Windows 11 continues to refine the user experience, and the latest Windows 11 Insider Build 27818 brings along a performance enhancement that could be a game-changer for users who frequently deal with compressed files. If you’re someone who routinely extracts large archives loaded with small files, you’re in for a treat.
Key enhancements in this build include:
• Faster extraction times when dealing with large archives containing many small files
• A smoother overall user experience during file extraction processes
This performance boost underscores Microsoft’s commitment to refining File Explorer—a core utility that many Windows users rely on daily. Though the exact numbers are still undisclosed, the promise of optimized performance is a breath of fresh air for professionals, hobbyists, and everyday users alike.
The evolution of archive management in Windows 11 has been incremental yet impactful:
• Native preview support for multiple archive formats
• Ongoing refinements to the extraction process
• Continuous performance optimizations through Insider builds
These updates indicate a broader strategy: Microsoft is not only expanding capabilities but also ensuring that everyday tasks, like file extraction, are as efficient as possible.
Why does this matter?
• The removal is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to streamline File Explorer and eliminate distractions.
• This change ties into the transition away from Skype—Microsoft is set to retire Skype in favor of Teams, with Skype’s dialer functionality becoming redundant after May 5.
For some users, the absence of these quick actions might feel like the loss of a convenient feature. However, the decision reflects a focus on refining core functionalities rather than offering extraneous conveniences. Users who relied on these suggestions can easily adapt by creating calendar events or initiating calls through Microsoft Teams, which is poised to become the new communications hub.
Consider this:
• For someone working with hundreds or even thousands of small files, reducing extraction time can shave precious minutes off routine workflows.
• In enterprise environments, where time and efficiency are paramount, even incremental performance boosts can lead to substantial cost savings over time.
While Microsoft has opted not to disclose detailed metrics, the qualitative feedback from early testers on the Canary Channel seems promising. This type of update, delivered quietly in the changelog, demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to refining the user experience between major feature updates.
Ask yourself:
• Have you noticed any delays when unzipping large batches of small files in your daily routine?
• Could faster extraction times make a difference in your productivity?
For many, the performance improvement will likely outweigh the inconvenience of losing a couple of extra UI elements. As with any Insider build, patient testing and feedback are critical. Users testing Build 27818 are encouraged to report any anomalies or performance gains to help shape future stable releases.
In the future, don’t be surprised to see additional improvements in File Explorer or other fundamental components of Windows 11. Such updates not only optimize performance but also reflect Microsoft’s response to user feedback and changing technological needs. With each update, Windows 11 edges closer to an environment where core utilities work seamlessly and intuitively, enhancing productivity and reducing frustration.
This article underscores that even when updates seem modest, the cumulative effect over time can result in a much more efficient and responsive operating system. For Windows users keen to stay ahead of the curve, joining the Insider program might offer early access to such promising improvements.
Have you already tested the latest Canary build? Whether you’re an IT professional managing vast amounts of data or a casual user looking for a smoother experience, your observations and feedback are invaluable in helping Microsoft refine the Windows 11 experience. Let the conversation begin—and happy unzipping!
Source: TechSpot Windows 11's File Explorer will soon unzip files faster
Microsoft’s Windows 11 continues to refine the user experience, and the latest Windows 11 Insider Build 27818 brings along a performance enhancement that could be a game-changer for users who frequently deal with compressed files. If you’re someone who routinely extracts large archives loaded with small files, you’re in for a treat.
What’s New in Build 27818?
The recent update on the Canary Channel introduces notable improvements in File Explorer’s ability to extract zipped files. According to the build’s changelog, Microsoft has "done some more work to improve the performance of extracting zipped files," particularly emphasizing cases where users unzip a large number of small files. While specific performance metrics remain under wraps, early adopters are encouraged to share their experiences and benchmarks in the community.Key enhancements in this build include:
• Faster extraction times when dealing with large archives containing many small files
• A smoother overall user experience during file extraction processes
This performance boost underscores Microsoft’s commitment to refining File Explorer—a core utility that many Windows users rely on daily. Though the exact numbers are still undisclosed, the promise of optimized performance is a breath of fresh air for professionals, hobbyists, and everyday users alike.
A Brief Recap on Archive Enhancements
This update isn’t the first time File Explorer has received attention for its handling of archived files. Previously, Microsoft rolled out native support within File Explorer for opening and previewing a variety of compressed file formats, including RAR, 7z, TAR, and other niche archive types. While the operating system can now natively display these formats, extraction of the content still hinges on external utilities—a design choice that remains in place even as performance is improved.The evolution of archive management in Windows 11 has been incremental yet impactful:
• Native preview support for multiple archive formats
• Ongoing refinements to the extraction process
• Continuous performance optimizations through Insider builds
These updates indicate a broader strategy: Microsoft is not only expanding capabilities but also ensuring that everyday tasks, like file extraction, are as efficient as possible.
The Removal of Clipboard “Suggested Actions”
Alongside improved zip extraction, Build 27818 brings another less glamorous yet noteworthy change. Users will no longer see “suggested actions” pop up when copying items like phone numbers or future dates to the clipboard. These suggested actions, which previously offered options to create calendar events or launch dialer apps (typically Skype), have now been removed.Why does this matter?
• The removal is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to streamline File Explorer and eliminate distractions.
• This change ties into the transition away from Skype—Microsoft is set to retire Skype in favor of Teams, with Skype’s dialer functionality becoming redundant after May 5.
For some users, the absence of these quick actions might feel like the loss of a convenient feature. However, the decision reflects a focus on refining core functionalities rather than offering extraneous conveniences. Users who relied on these suggestions can easily adapt by creating calendar events or initiating calls through Microsoft Teams, which is poised to become the new communications hub.
Broader Implications for Windows Users
This update is a reminder that even the most seemingly minor performance tweaks can have a significant impact on day-to-day computing. For professionals and power users who manage massive quantities of small, compressed files—whether for software development, digital content management, or data archiving—the improvement in extraction speeds can translate into meaningful productivity gains.Consider this:
• For someone working with hundreds or even thousands of small files, reducing extraction time can shave precious minutes off routine workflows.
• In enterprise environments, where time and efficiency are paramount, even incremental performance boosts can lead to substantial cost savings over time.
While Microsoft has opted not to disclose detailed metrics, the qualitative feedback from early testers on the Canary Channel seems promising. This type of update, delivered quietly in the changelog, demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to refining the user experience between major feature updates.
Challenges and Reader Considerations
No update is without its trade-offs. The removal of clipboard "suggested actions" might catch some users off guard, especially those who have grown accustomed to the convenience of instant action suggestions. However, such streamlined changes are often a necessary part of software evolution, where removing less impactful or redundant features can lead to a more focused and faster overall performance.Ask yourself:
• Have you noticed any delays when unzipping large batches of small files in your daily routine?
• Could faster extraction times make a difference in your productivity?
For many, the performance improvement will likely outweigh the inconvenience of losing a couple of extra UI elements. As with any Insider build, patient testing and feedback are critical. Users testing Build 27818 are encouraged to report any anomalies or performance gains to help shape future stable releases.
A Look Ahead
This incremental refinement is part of a broader trend seen in recent Windows 11 updates—the continuous pursuit of efficiency and responsiveness. Microsoft’s approach is often to quietly introduce improvements and tweaks that, over time, contribute significantly to the overall user experience. Whether it’s enhancing File Explorer’s core file-handling capabilities or removing features that no longer serve a meaningful purpose, the undercurrent is clear: sharpening the daily computing experience.In the future, don’t be surprised to see additional improvements in File Explorer or other fundamental components of Windows 11. Such updates not only optimize performance but also reflect Microsoft’s response to user feedback and changing technological needs. With each update, Windows 11 edges closer to an environment where core utilities work seamlessly and intuitively, enhancing productivity and reducing frustration.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 Build 27818 is yet another example of how attention to detail can elevate a platform’s overall performance. Faster zip extraction speeds mean less waiting and more doing—a small change with significant implications for users handling large archives. Meanwhile, the removal of clipboard suggested actions, though a minor inconvenience for some, reinforces a trend toward streamlined, focused functionality.This article underscores that even when updates seem modest, the cumulative effect over time can result in a much more efficient and responsive operating system. For Windows users keen to stay ahead of the curve, joining the Insider program might offer early access to such promising improvements.
Have you already tested the latest Canary build? Whether you’re an IT professional managing vast amounts of data or a casual user looking for a smoother experience, your observations and feedback are invaluable in helping Microsoft refine the Windows 11 experience. Let the conversation begin—and happy unzipping!
Source: TechSpot Windows 11's File Explorer will soon unzip files faster
