Microsoft improves Windows 11 File Explorer with new archive format support and fixes

File Explorer can now open more archive types, plus there are fixes for white flashes, reliability improvements, and more.

Microsoft has just released the latest non-security update for Windows 11, which brings a long list of changes and improvements, including Xbox mode, performance enhancements, bug fixes, and more. Some of the most notable upgrades include the newly announced Xbox mode for all Windows 11 PCs and a set of important File Explorer updates. The latter frequently gets plenty of criticism from users, and Microsoft is steadily shipping improvements with each release. The April 2026 non-security update is no exception.

With KB5083631, File Explorer's archive capabilities now include support for .uu (binary-to-text encoding), .cpio (archiving format for Unix systems, frequently used for backups), .xar (eXtensible ARchive format with compression and metadata support), and .nupkg (NuGet Packages). Now, you can work with these file formats without installing additional software.

In addition to the new archive format support, Microsoft brings some much-needed fixes to its file manager in Windows 11. For one, File Explorer should no longer reset View and Sort preferences when you open folders like Downloads and Documents from external apps. Also, Microsoft has finally fixed that infuriating bug where File Explorer would flashbang you when opening This PC or resizing the Details pane in dark mode.

Finally, KB5083631 improves File Explorer's processes. Microsoft says the update enhances reliability so that explorer.exe can stop properly after closing File Explorer windows.

KB5083631 is an optional update, so feel free to skip it. All these improvements will be included in the May 2026 Patch Tuesday update. If you want to install it now, head to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for Updates." Windows 11 will offer to download and install KB5083631.

Microsoft has more File Explorer improvements on the horizon. Earlier this year, the company promised to focus on critical areas of the operating system, such as Windows Update, AI, performance, and stability. File Explorer is on the list, and Microsoft is committed to making it significantly faster and more reliable. As such, expect more meaningful File Explorer improvements this year, which will most likely show up first in the revamped Windows Insider program.

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Posted Saturday 2 May 2026 at 7:46 am AEST (my time).

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