Windows 11 file explorer is slow, lagging, hangs!

Hi AG. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

1. Try these fixes for Windows 11 File Explorer lagging and freezes after Upgrades:

https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/fil...

https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-fix-...

https://www.techepages.com/new-file-explorer-is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSvyfEykPB8

2. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:

https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-spe...

3. Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.
4. Expedite install of all Windows Updates (including Optional) in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, watching for needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.

Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.

5. Run a full Windows 11 Disk Check: https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind.... This is to check the disk and file system condition which can factor into any case, and sometimes later proves to be the cause if it's left out.
6. Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:

https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/

7. Test for account corruption by creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away:

https://pureinfotech.com/create-local-administr...

Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.

You can change it to your Microsoft account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.

8. Download, install and run a full scan with free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ after enabling Root Kit scan in Scan Settings. Clean Up anything it finds and then run again. Turn off Real Time trial in Control panel to keep as on-demand scanner.
9. Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11 to find and fix any broken System files:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

10. If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hello, 

Try resetting File Explorer (explorer.exe) process: 

1. Press Windows Key + R and type SYSDM.CPL in Run. Click OK or press Enter key. 
2. In System Properties window, switch to Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance. 
3. Next, in Performance Options, under Processor scheduling, make sure that Adjust for best performance of: is set to Programs. 
4. Then in the same window, under Virtual memory, click Settings button. 
5. On Virtual Memory page, make sure Automatically manage paging file sizes for all drives option is checked. Click OK, then Apply, OK on rest of windows. 
6. Reboot the machine and see if issue is resolved now. 

Let us know if this helps!

Hi Greg,

Thanks for your detailed answer but non of the solutions worked for me, sorry.

Kind Regards,

AG

Hello Kapil,

Thanks for your reply but it does not worked for me also my settings already set like so.

Kind Regards,

AG