Windows 11 File Explorer: Smooth scrolling limited to Home and Gallery explained
Microsoft says the Home and Gallery views of Windows 11 File Explorer were rebuilt with the WinUI 3 framework as part of the Windows App SDK (WASDK), which explains their smooth scrolling. The rest of File Explorer still runs on legacy Win32 code, causing jagged scrolling. The company plans a phased modernization, prioritizing reliability and performance for the May 2026 update before bringing smooth scrolling to all folders, while continuing to gather feedback on touch usability and maintaining existing features like type-ahead search and layout options.