How to Fix Windows 10 File Explorer Not Responding

One of these should do the trick

File Explorer is the default file management tool on Windows devices. Like every other system processes on Windows, File Explorer also has its occasional moments of failure. If you find Windows Explorer not responding during usage, there are a few things you can try.

We’ve written a comprehensive guide coveringtips to follow when Windows Explorer keeps crashing. In this article, we’ll rump through nine fixes to try when you launch the File Explorer and it keeps loading or fails to open files and folders.

1. Modify Your PC’s Display Layout

This is a rather bizarre but effective solution to Windows Explorer not responding. Apparently, using an unrecommended screen layout and resolution could cause the File Explorer to malfunction.

Check your PC’s display settings and make sure you’re using the recommended scale/layout. Go toSettings>System>Displayand ensure thesize of text, apps, and other itemsis set to100%or whatever option Windows recommends.

If your PC’s display scaling is already set to 100%, try changing it to 125% and back to 100% again.

2. Kill and Restart the File Explorer

If Windows Explorer is still not responding after changing your PC’s resolution, terminate the Windows Explorer process and start it again. There are several ways to restart Windows Explorer:

Launch the Windows Task Manager (pressCtrl + Shift + Esc), right-click onWindows Explorerin the Apps section, and clickEnd Taskto terminate File Explorer.

Restart the Windows Explorer by clicking the folder icon in the taskbar. Alternatively, use the Task Manager: click onFileon the menu bar and selectRun new task.

Typeexplorer.exein the dialog box and clickOK.

That will start Windows Explorer immediately. Now proceed to check if you can access your files and folders in File Explorer without any lag.

You can also use the Command Prompt utility to terminate and reinitiate the Windows Explorer. Right-click on the Windows icon and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the Quick Access menu. Inputtaskkill /f /im explorer.exein the console and pressEnter.

Your PC’s taskbar and desktop icons will disappear when you terminate the Windows Explorer. That’s normal and only temporary. To restart the File Explorer, inputstart explorer.exein the Command Prompt window and pressEnterto proceed.

BAT fileslet you easily automate tasks and actions. If File Explorer fails to respond quite often and restarting the process usually resolves the problem, you should create a BAT file dedicated to restarting the File Explorer at the click of a button.

taskkill /f /IM explorer.exestart explorer.exeexit

To use the newly created BAT file to restart the Windows Explorer, return to the Desktop, right-click on the file, and selectRun as administrator.

Windows will run the command in the BAT file through Command Prompt and restart the Windows Explorer.

3. Check for Corrupt System Files

When some system files get damaged, missing, or corrupt, some core Windows functionalities (like the File Explorer) may begin to malfunction. Thankfully, this is easy to fix. The System File Checker willscan your PC for corrupt or missing system filesand fix or replace them accordingly.

Follow the steps below to run the System File Checker on your Windows 10 computer.

  1. Right-click on the Start menu icon and selectCommand Prompt (Admin).

  2. Type or paste the command below in the Command Prompt console and pressEnter.

sfc /scannow

If the Windows File Explorer is still not responding when Command Prompt is done executing the command, restart your computer and try again.

4. Clear File Explorer History

The Windows File Explorer keeps a log of all previous actions and activities—recently accessed files and folders, searches, address bar entries, etc. The Windows File Explorer may respond slowly or crash when the utility’s history accumulates to a certain point. Try clearing the File Explorer history and check if that fixes the problem.

  1. Typefile explorer optionsin the Windows search bar and clickFile Explorer Optionsin the results.

  2. In theGeneraltab, click theClearbutton to the right of the option that readsClear File Explorer History. You’ll find that in thePrivacysection.

  3. ClickApplyand thenOKto save the changes.

File Explorer should now be stable and functional when you relaunch it. Otherwise, proceed to the next solution.

5. Update Your PC’s Video Driver

According toMicrosoft Support, the Windows Explorer could stop working if your PC’s video driver is corrupt or outdated. If you still can’t navigate your files and folders because the Windows File Explorer is not responding, try downloading and installing the latest video driver update for your PC. Connect your computer to the internet and follow the steps below.

Right-click theStart or Windows iconand selectDevice Manager.

Expand theDisplay adapterscategory, right-click on your PC’s video/graphic adapter, and selectUpdate driver.

ChooseSearch automatically for updated driver software.

That will prompt Windows to search the internet and your computer for the latest video driver for your PC.

6. Update Your PC’s Operating System

File Explorer may crash and fail to respond if your Windows 10 version is out-of-date. Download and install any available updates and check if that resolves the issue.

Windows updates often ship with security patches, driver updates, bug fixes, and solutions to other functional issues affecting Windows applications and processes. If the Device Manager doesn’t find an update for the video driver, consider updating your PC’s operating system.

Go toSettings>Update & Security>Windows Updateand click on theCheck for updates.

7. Scan Your PC for Viruses and Malware

If you have an antivirus or antimalware software installed on your PC, run a thorough scan for hidden viruses and malware. Refer to this guide tolearn how to completely remove stubborn malwarefrom your PC using trusted software like Malwarebytes.

You can also use Windows built-in antivirus tool, Windows Defender, tonuke malware and viruses.

8. Check for Memory Problems

Several applications may malfunction on your PC if there’s a problem with the Random Access Memory. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool to check your computer for memory problems. Make sure you save your work and close any open applications before you proceed.

  1. Typememoryin the Windows search bar and selectWindows Memory Diagnosticin the result.

  2. The two will present you with two options. Select the option that reads “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).”

The Windows Memory Diagnostics will scan your PC and fix any memory-related issues that it finds.

9. Perform a System Restore

Did the File Explorer start after installing an app, a driver, software update, or after changing certain system configurations? Try rolling your PC back to a previous configuration (or restore point).

Note that reverting to a previous restore point will change some system settings. Recently-installed programs and drivers will also be deleted from your PC. Follow the steps below to roll back to a restore point.

  1. Typecontrol panelin the Windows search bar and clickControl Panelon the results.

  2. Click onRecovery.

  3. SelectOpen System Restore.

  4. In the System Restore window, clickNextto proceed.

  5. The latest/newest system restore point will appear on the list. Select it and clickNextto proceed.

Check the ‘Show more restore points’ option to reveal other (older) restore points.

  1. ClickFinishto commence the system restoration.

If you don’t find a restore point, that’s probably because the System Restore feature isn’t active on your computer. Learnhow to enable or disable System Restore on Windowsdevices.

Get the File Explorer Working Again

We’re pretty confident that at least one of the troubleshooting methods listed above should resolve issues with Windows Explorer not responding. If the problem persists,restarting your PC in Safe Modeorperforming a clean bootshould help.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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