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: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2018-12-10T16:03:15+00:00

    This is a repeating problem for me, so I ultimately disabled quick access. Annoying, but at least I don’t have to fix it all the time.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thewindowsclub.com/disable-quick-access-windows-10/amp

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-12-10T06:00:04+00:00

    Hi 

    I found that if you have been using a lot of files on the one drive and or a big flash drive , Quick Access battles to load , and then file explorer stops responding.

    So I did the following and it is responding quickly and opening with out any issues again

    Press Start type File Explorer options

    on the General tab switch the "Open File Explorer to: This PC .

     at the bottom of the page Clear File Explorer History 

    and apply 

    Me I am just a user that reads a lot

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-11-28T06:41:48+00:00

    Thank you, clearing the history finally solved my problem.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments