How To Fix Windows 10 File Explorer Not Responding

The File Explorer is an application that allows a user to navigate and manage the different drives, folders, and files of a computer. Inside this application you will be able to copy, move, rename, or delete certain files or folders. Sometimes though, certain issues can occur while using this application. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix the windows 10 File Explorer not responding issue.

Fix File Explorer not opening

There are several factors that can cause the File Explorer to become unresponsive ranging from a data glitch to an update issue. Here’s what you need to do to fix this problem. After performing each method listed below try checking if the problem still occurs.

Method 1: Restart the File Explorer in Task Manager

The first thing you will need to do in this case is to refresh the explorer.exe process which can be done from the Task Manager. This action will usually fix the problem.

Time needed: 2 minutes.

Restart explorer.exe from Task Manager

  1. Right click on the Start button.

    This is located on the lower left side of the screen.Fix File Explorer not opening

  2. Click on Task Manager.

    This will open the Task Manager window.Fix File Explorer unresponsive

  3. Click More Details.

    This can be found at the lower left side of the window.task manager more details

  4. Click on the Process tab.

    This is usually the first tab from the left.task manager process tab

  5. Right click on Windows Explorer then click on Restart.

    This will restart the File Explorer application.Windows 10 File Explorer Not Responding

Method 2: Clear Windows 10 File Explorer history cache

There are instances when the problem is caused by a corrupted cached data in the application. If this is the case then clearing the cache will fix the problem.

  • Type “file explorer options” without the quotation marks on the search  bar.
  • Click on the File Explorer Options app that appears.
  • Click on the General tab.
  • Click on the Clear button on the Privacy section. 
  • Click on Apply then OK to apply the changes made.

Method 3: Update Windows 10 to fix Windows 10 File Explorer not responding

  • Click on the Start button.
  • Click on Settings.
  • Click on Update & Security.
  • Click on the Check for updates button. Wait for the computer to download and install any updates found.
  • Restart the computer.

Method 4: Run System File Checker scan

The SFC scan will check for any corrupted or missing system files in your computer and attempt to repair it.

  • Type “cmd” without the quotation marks on the search bar.
  • Click on Run as Administrator on the Command Prompt app that appears.
  • On the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow then press the enter key.
  • Wait for the scan to complete then restart the computer.

After performing the troubleshooting steps listed above you will successfully fix the Windows 10 file explorer not responding issue.

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