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.

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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
    2018-10-27T21:29:46+00:00

    How can I fix file explorer

    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.

    If you don't have File Explorer pinned to the taskbar, just locate it in the start menu. It should either be at the top of the menu under "Most Used" or it can be found by scrolling down to "Windows System" and expanding by clicking the little arrow to the right. From there, just follow the instructions above.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-09-24T18:06:57+00:00

    OMG!!! thank you! it worked! Been looking and trying for weeks!

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    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2018-10-21T19:19:44+00:00

    Thank you, JM073. I have tried several methods that MS techs suggested, but they did not work. I just purchased this all in one desktop, so it is almost a brand new. My File Explorer stopped working saying "Not Responding" soon after, however, if I click the Recycle Bin, it let me explorer my computer and files.

    Thank you for posting the link for us. the method 1 to 3 did not work, but the method of #4 worked for me. 

    Thank you!

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