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

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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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-05-02T02:20:56+00:00

    Thank you so much.  This was becoming so frustrating.  Your first option "Open Start, type: file explorer options" worked instantly for me!

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    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2018-05-23T16:38:49+00:00

    The below link solved this issue.  Specifically, 4: Clear history cache and create new path process.  In retrospect, I spend a great deal of time in my OneDrive and it felt like images may have been the issue for thumbnail generation or pulling down syncing content.  This guess is my own and not sure if that was the actual issue, but following the above details fixed my problem.

    I tried several website recommendation and instructions from MICROSOFT support team.  Nothing worked.

    Then I stumbled upon the below website and followed their instructions.  In one go the problem was solved.  In fact this is the only solution to the problem

    https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/windows-10-file-explorer-wont-open-solved/

    Thanks to the person who took time to write the solution to this issue.  Its such a serious problem that you cannot access any of your own files!!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-06-26T18:22:35+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

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