Windows 11 file explorer is slow, lagging, hangs!

i had to unpin my wsl folder from quick access.

This worked PERFECTLY for me:

Disable Third-Party Explorer Extensions Using ShellExView

Windows File Explorer is customizable, thanks to third-party extensions that extend its functionality.

For instance, if you install an app like 7-Zip, you’ll be able to use the app to perform tasks (such as compressing a file) in Explorer itself. If you install VLC, you’ll be able to add files to a playlist, directly from a File Explorer window.

These options are usually visible when you right-click a file. However, should a third-party extension become unstable (or should you have too many extensions installed), it could crash the explorer.exe process. You’ll need to disable the problematic extension to fix the issue.

The best way to quickly disable some (or all) Explorer extensions is to use a third-party app called ShellExView. This allows you to quickly see what extensions are installed and disable or remove them. To start, download the ShellExView app and install it.

Once installed, run the app and allow it to scan for any extensions. The list will include Microsoft’s own extensions, so press Options > Hide All Microsoft Extensions to ensure you don’t disable these, as this could break File Explorer.

Hiding Microsoft extensions from the list will display any third-party extensions installed. To disable an individual extension, right-click it, then press Disable Selected Items.

To disable all the third-party extensions, press Edit > Select All or press Ctrl + Aon your keyboard. With the items selected, right-click the entries, then press Disable Selected Items.

With the items disabled, close ShellExView and restart your PC. You should no longer see them when you right-click files in File Explorer, but you may need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Please simplify your life with a very good alternative to File Explorer. After days of bad work experience and frustration with the slow Windows 11 file explorer, I finally decided to move on with installing another lightning-fast alternative. You can download it here: https://freecommander.com/en/downloads/

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.

______________________________________________

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.

@Greg Carmack

Please be careful about what you describe as workaround because once microsoft sees it, the team will simply celebrate that there is a workaround and dump the issue. That is why you still find Windows 7 known issues on Windows 8, 10 and 11.