After updating to Windows 10, many users claim about File Explorer not working or loading infinitely with the message displayed as “File Explorer not responding.” This error of Windows 10 File Explorer won’t open users from accessing doc files, photos, apps, etc. unless they keep in mind the names of files and search them. When File Explorer freezes or crashes in Windows 10, it is a critical issue as it has almost all user data.
Many times, it doesn’t show the option when the user tries to launch the File Explorer to view some files. When the user tries to open the File Explorer icon, it displays the error message. Just imagine the Windows operating system in which you can’t access files and folders, what is the use of such a system? And, how annoying it is if you get trapped in this issue of Windows 10 File Explorer won’t open!
Sometimes, when you launch the File Explorer to open any file or folder from the taskbar, it doesn’t display you the Windows. This problem of Windows 10 File Explorer not Responding frequently happening nowadays. The main reason behind this problem is the startup programs which are clashing with Windows 10 File Explorer. Other issues can include File Explorer cache problem, Windows search clashing, Scaling Slider issue, etc. All of these issues depend upon the user’s system configuration.
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Table of Contents
- 1 How to Fix Windows 10 File Explorer Won’t Open
- 1.1 Solution 1: Clear history cache and create a new shortcut
- 1.2 Solution 2: Restart File Explorer in task manager
- 1.3 Solution 3: Set File Explorer Defaults
- 1.4 Solution 4: Disable Windows Search
- 1.5 Solution 5: Change display settings
- 1.6 Solution 6: Run System File Checker and Check Disk
- 1.7 Solution 7: Disable startup items
- 1.8 Solution 8: run “netsh” and “Winsock” reset
- 1.9 Solution 9: Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
- 1.10 Solution 10: Reset Apps to Microsoft default
How to Fix Windows 10 File Explorer Won’t Open
So, here are some effective solutions for you to get out of this issue:
Solution 1: Clear history cache and create a new shortcut
1. First, Right-click on the File Explorer icon from the taskbar and select “Unpin from the taskbar.”
2. Press “Windows key” along with “X” to choose “File Explorer.”
3. Right-click on “Quick access” and choose “options.”
4. Then Select “clear” from “privacy” option which is located at the bottom.
5. Right-click on the blank area and select New>>Shortcut.
6. Write the following address:
C:\Windows\explorer.exe.
7. Click on “Next” and rename the file.
8. Then Click “Finish.”
9. Right-click on “File Explorer shortcut” and select “Pin to taskbar.”
10. If you are unable to access the File Explorer, then go to the next step.
11. Go to “Control Panel” then choose “Appearance and Personalization.”
12. Within this option, select “File Explorer options.”
13. Under privacy, select “clear File Explorer history.” Hope this will Resolve Windows 10 File Explorer Not Working issue. Also, look out for any Windows 10 Search Not Finding Files Error.
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Solution 2: Restart File Explorer in task manager
1. At First, Press “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” to open the “Task Manager.”
2. Choose “Windows Explorer” and right-click on it to select “End task.”
3. Then Click “File” option located on top of the task manager window.
4. Finally, Select “Run new task” and write “explorer.exe” and hit Enter.
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Solution 3: Set File Explorer Defaults
1. From “start menu,” open “File Explorer options.”
2. From “general tab,” clear file explorer history and choose “restore defaults.”
3. Within the “View” tab, select “Reset folders” and “Restore Defaults.”
4. Under the “Search” tab, select “Restore Defaults.”
5. Press “Apply” then “OK” then “Exit.”
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Solution 4: Disable Windows Search
1. At First, Press “Windows key” along with “R” and type “services.msc” then hit Enter.
2. From the given list, find “Windows Search” and right-click on it to select “Properties.”
3. Then change the “startup type” to “Disabled.”
4. Finally, Select “Apply” then “OK.”
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Solution 5: Change display settings
1. From “start menu,” choose “settings.”
2. Go to “System,” and the display tab will be selected automatically.
3. Adjust the size of your Display panel.
Solution 6: Run System File Checker and Check Disk
1. At First, Press “Windows key” along with “X” then select “Command prompt.”
2. Then type the following command in the command prompt-
Sfc /scannow
Sfc/scannow/offbootdir=c:\/offwindir=c:\windows
3. Wait for the process to finish.
4. To run Check Disk Utility, go to “Windows Explorer” and right-click the drive you want to run.
5. Then choose “properties” and select “tools.”
6. Within “Error checking,” select “Check button.”
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Solution 7: Disable startup items
1. Press “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” to open the “Task Manager.”
2. Go to “Startup tab” and select “Disable.”
3. You have to select all the services one by one only.
4. Reboot your system.
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Solution 8: run “netsh” and “Winsock” reset
1. At First, Press “Windows key” along with “X” and select “Command prompt.”
2. Then type the following command in the command prompt-
ipconfig/flushdns
nbtstat –r
netsh int ip reset
netsh Winsock reset
3. Check if the problem is resolved or not; otherwise, go through other options.
Solution 9: Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
1. Press “Windows key” along with “X” and select “Command prompt.”
2. Write the following command in the command prompt-
3. DISM.exe / Online /Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth /Sour and hit Enter.
4. Wait for some time for the above process to complete.
5. Now, write the following command in the command prompt then hit Enter-
sfc/scannow.
6. System file checker will run after you enter the above command.
7. Restart your PC.
Solution 10: Reset Apps to Microsoft default
1. At First, Press “Windows key” along with “I” to open the “Windows settings.”
2. Choose “System” and go to “Default apps.”
3. Scroll down and choose “Reset to Microsoft recommended defaults.”
4. Reboot your system.
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Also, you can update your PC to resolve this issue. To check whether your Windows is up to date, follow the below-given steps:
1. First, Press the “Windows key” along with “I” and choose “Update and security.”
2. Select “check for updates” and if there is any pending update, make sure to install it.
3. Reboot your system after the updates are installed.
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Gravit Sinha is the founder of ValidEdge. Ever since he was a kid, he has been a problem fixer and that passion is what inspired him to start and grow this website! 🙂
