Windows 11 file explorer is slow, lagging, hangs!

I also experienced Lags with the Explorer:

1. On Windows 10, i could solve them by removing external file-drives (SMB) from Quick-Access. I created a folder with Links to the drives instead and explorer was fast again. Probably the explorer tried to connect to these drives and for some reason failed, even though the connection was up and working.
2. On Windows 11 on a new computer i have again troubles with the explorer, this time i think it is due to a wrong/old account which is no longer active:
   The problems came with the "Home"-Button, which was added at some point. Also the "Please sign in" only shows when selecting the "Home"-Button.

This might also be related to an account i am unable to remove:

Clicking on 'Manage' opens the login-page for the first account and i can not find the old account in the first account to remove it.

Can your problem also be associated with one of the issues above?

Does anyone know how to solve the second issue by e.g. disabling the "Home" button, changing the account in the explorer or removing a no longer existing old account?

Thank you Sam! I was having this issue and did have a few network drives pinned to my quick access bar. I removed them and the issue persisted, so I checked all pinned folders and identified I had a pinned folder on a network drive that was no longer active. Upon removing it file explorer loaded instantly.

I will use your suggestion to create a folder for network drives, but this is something Microsoft should look into.

Thanks again for your help!

I have sent an email to Mr Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO) and I got a reply from Dimitar P. (Executive Customer Relations - Customer Service & Support (CSS) ) with the following solution, so I gave Windows 11 a second chance and reload it back to my PC from my Backup image.

So far after applying all the steps sent to my by Mr Dimitar P. File explorer on my PC is working without any issues.

Here are the steps:

Clear File Explorer Cache:

Open RUN box

In the text field of the dialogue box, type the command mentioned below and hit Enter.

C:\Users%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Once you are in the AutomaticDestinations folder, delete all its contents

Disable and Enable Search Indexing:

Launch Command Prompt as an administrator

Execute the following command to disable Search Indexing.

sc stop “wsearch” && sc config “wsearch” start=disabled

Execute the following command to enable Search Indexing

sc config “wsearch” start=delayed-auto && sc start “wsearch”

Rebuild Search index:

Search out “Indexing Options” from the Start Menu.

Click Advanced.

Now, click Rebuild. You will be asked to confirm your action, so, click Ok.

Run the commands:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

DISM /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbase

DISM /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

Chkdsk c: /f /r /x

Be aware that all the steps mention here will erase all your Pinned folders/files and all your folders view settings.

What else should we do, build a rocket?

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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