File Explorer not responding in Windows 10

Anonymous
2017-12-02T17:21:07+00:00

windows 10 my file explorer is not responding. 

[Moved from: Windows / Windows 10 / Files, folders, & storage]

*Modified title for accuracy*

*Original title: windows 10 file explorer not responding*

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2017-12-02T17:49:03+00:00

Open Start, type: file explorer options

Hit Enter

Select the General tab

Click Restore defaults

Could be an issue with your display driver.

uninstall your display driver then restart

Press Windows key + X

Click Device Manager

Expand Display adapters

Right click the current display adapter

Click Uninstall

Exit Device Manager

Restart

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Greg Carmack 24,780 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2017-12-02T18:17:59+00:00

I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Right click Start button to open Task Manager.

On Processes tab, scroll down to Windows Explorer under Windows Processes. Highlight, then click Restart button at bottom.

If this isnt' enough go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

But remember that Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Was this answer helpful?

80+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

109 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2018-08-04T00:02:29+00:00

    Having the problem with Windows 10, everytime I open Windows Explorer, it just says "Not Responding"...

    SOLUTION : (At Least for me)

    1.- create a Folder on Desktop using the Right Button with any name.

    2.- Double Click on the New Folder that you created recently.

    3.- It will open File explorer on the location (Desktop), you can start navigating the files.

    4.- To solve the global problem, I just open View-> Click Options (on Ribbon) -> Change Folder and Search options -> On General Tab , Point the "Open File Explorer to:" Change to "This PC" instead of "Quick Access", I think that "Quick Access is causing the problem.

    5.- Uncheck on Privacy "Show recently used files in Quick access" and "Show frequently used folders in quick access"

    This solution worked for me, now everything works as it MUST.

    Felipe Hdez

    This worked for me. Thank you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    9 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-10-27T21:18:51+00:00

    "Quick access" is looking for a file it cannot find. Clear it's history and problem is solved. Can't recall how I did that but it worked (and nothing else did). 

    This worked for me. If you have File Explorer pinned to the taskbar, simply right click on File Explorer icon and select a folder other than "Quick Access" to launch File Explorer in. Then right click on "Quick Access" in the file tree and select options. Find the "Clear" button toward the bottom of the page. It should read "Clear File Explorer history" to the left of the button. Allow a few moments depending on the number of files in the folder then click "OK". Restart File Explorer and the problem should be solved.

    Was this answer helpful?

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-07-22T13:04:59+00:00

    How to clear Quick Access' history:

    Open Start/Cortana, type: file explorer options 

    Hit Enter 

    Select the General tab 

    In the Privacy Pane, click the Clear button to Clear File Explorer history

    It worked for me!

    Was this answer helpful?

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments