File explorer not responding in Windows 11. It opens up but becomes unresponsive when you click anywhere.

Anonymous
2024-01-20T21:46:04+00:00

I tried every solution available on the internet to make file explorer responsive. However, it is not working. I open up file explorer, it opens. Now, when I click any folder or any icon or try to do search, it becomes unresponsive. I have spent days trying to fix this and I am very frustrated with this. Can any Samaritan

help me with this?

Kind Regards,

Sajan

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-01T05:15:39+00:00

    I've tried everything listed in this thread but mine is still acting up :(

    EDIT: I actually did find a solution for my problem the other night. Mine turned out to be related to Windows Search / Indexing getting stuck. The thread where I found my solution is here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-windows-search-indexing-stops/391cc301-c416-4e1f-82dc-67e0a6766f96
    But the specific comment that did it for me was the one A. User listed (more specifically, their second set of instructions), those being:

    Hi,

    Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

    I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

    I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps

    1. Press Windows key + R.
    2. Type Services.msc In the search box.
    3. Select Windows Search
    4. Restart the services and set the service as Automatic

    If the issue persist try performing Rebuilding Index again.

    To rebuild the index follow the steps below:

    1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
    2. Open Indexing Options in the Control Panel.
    3. Select the Advanced button in the Indexing Options window.
    4. Select Rebuild in the Troubleshooting section of the Advanced Options window.
    5. Select OK when it asks if you’re sure you want to re-build the search index.

    Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help

    Hopefully this will help someone else too!

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-06-05T15:00:06+00:00

    Have been having the same problem on Windows 11... sfc /scannow didn't find any issues either. Is there a log file or dump I can provide to help someone from MS debug this? It's a big deal when the entire Windowd Explorer doesn't work... you know?

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-08T19:57:18+00:00

    Hi, I’ve had this problem before. What worked for me is opening windows run, (windows+r) typing in shell:recent\AutomaticDestinations and deleting everything inside. Then type in shell:recent\CustomDestinations and delete everything inside. Empty the recycling bin and for me it works.

    Absolutely Works!! Thanks for saving me a re-install.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-05-19T22:03:19+00:00

    Did you figure out what the problem is? I'm having the same issue.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-08-04T12:27:07+00:00

    I have a problem on file explorer..it opens alright but files do not open ..the wheel simply spins...some times opens often times no

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