Microsoft’s File Explorer has been a staple for Windows users, but some features have left users wanting more, especially smooth scrolling. While Home and Gallery views offer a seamless experience, other folders appear choppy. Let’s dive into what’s going on.
Why the Choppy Scroll?
Microsoft has upgraded the Home and Gallery views using a new framework, which is why they scroll smoothly. However, the rest of File Explorer still operates on an older system. As a result, traditional folders exhibit a more abrupt scrolling experience. Marcus Ash, head of Design and Research for Windows, acknowledged this issue on social media after a user pointed it out, indicating the team is aware and discussing potential fixes.
Tali Roth, who leads Product for Windows Shell, elaborated that while the smoother views are modern, the traditional folders offer vital features that many users rely on, like advanced sorting and type-ahead search. Transitioning to a new UI means ensuring these features remain compatible without compromising functionality.
The Balancing Act
The challenge lies in balancing modernity and functionality. While Home and Gallery views are cleaner, they lack some of the robust features of traditional folders. Microsoft faces the daunting task of modernizing File Explorer while keeping all those essential functions intact.
Moving Forward with Touch Support
Touch input has also been a concern. Users on devices like the Surface Pro have found File Explorer difficult to navigate. Tali Roth mentioned that feedback on touch issues is being considered. This highlights a growing trend: as more users turn to touch devices, their feedback is crucial for improving usability.
Performance Improvements
Despite the scrolling issue, Microsoft is busy enhancing File Explorer’s performance. Recent updates have made launching the application faster, reduced crashes, and eliminated the irritating white flash in dark mode. These improvements are part of a broader goal to ensure that users experience a reliable interface.
Final Thoughts
As Microsoft works on these enhancements, they remain dedicated to fixing File Explorer’s underlying issues. The May 2026 update is expected to include various reliability fixes, laying the groundwork for future updates that may finally bring that smooth scrolling functionality across all views.
For more information on upcoming updates, stay tuned to trusted sources like Windows Latest.
