Windows File Explorer Not Responding? Try These Solutions

 

File Explorer helps you to locate and manage files and folders on your Windows PC. It offers a user-friendly, straightforward interface. But sometimes, the file explorer may not function properly. 

For example, there can be a problem if your desktop icons freeze, the taskbar vanishes randomly, or the Windows File Explorer not responding. 

If you’re experiencing the File Explorer not responding issue in Windows 10 and 11, follow the solutions discussed in this guide. 

Let’s begin.

What Is File Explorer?

Windows comes with a built-in file management program called File Explorer, also known as Windows Search Explorer. Thanks to its graphical user interface, you can easily access and manage hard drives, folders, and files.

File Explorer is also responsible for displaying many user interface elements on the screen, such as the taskbar and desktop. However, you can run into the File Explorer not opening issue. 

In the following sections, we’ll discuss practical ways to resolve the File Explorer not working. But before that, let’s find out why File Explorer keeps not responding. 

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Related: How to Fix File Explorer Lag in Windows 11

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Causes of File Explorer Not Responding on Windows 10/11

Here are some of the reasons why File Explorer may not work on your PC:

Large Files or Folders

File Explorer may take longer to load and become unresponsive if your computer contains many large files or folders.

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Also Read: How to Find and Remove Duplicate Files in Windows 10/11

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Outdated or Corrupted Drivers

Corrupt or outdated drivers can also cause File Explorer to become unresponsive because they interfere with hardware and software communication.

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Related: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

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Faulty Hard Drive

Due to file corruption and disrupting the system’s routine functions, a defective hard disk might cause File Explorer to become unresponsive.

A faulty hard drive can cause File Explorer search not working. It can corrupt files and disrupt your computer’s normal operations.

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Also Read: How to Run Hard Drive Diagnostics on Windows PC?

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Malware and Viruses

Malware and viruses can slow down your computer, damage crucial data, and result in File Explorer problems.

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Related: How to Remove Virus and Other Malware from Windows

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Conflict with Third-Party Apps

File Explorer may become unresponsive because of interference from some third-party software that you may have installed on your computer.

Solutions to Windows File Explorer Not Responding

If you’re facing a File Explorer not opening issue, go through the solutions below:

1. Use the Task Manager to Restart File Explorer

You can use the Windows Task Manager to restart File Explorer if it freezes or is unresponsive. This helps you to end unresponsive processes, start new apps, and control system performance. 

The Task Manager is useful for resolving numerous computer issues, including Windows Explorer search not working. Follow the below steps to restart the File Explorer:

• Type “Task Manager” in the search bar and click on Task Manager to launch the program. Press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to start Task Manager.

• On the upper left corner of Task Manager, click “File” and select “Run new task.”

• Enter “explorer.exe” in the field box and press “Enter.”

When you press “OK,” the File Explorer should quickly launch. After, check to see if the File Explorer not responding Windows 10 has been resolved. 

2. Use the Command Prompt to Fix Windows File Explorer Not Responding

The Windows Command Prompt is a command-line interface in Windows used to run various commands and carry out activities. Using CMD to restart File Explorer sometimes fixes issues with it not responding. 

If the File Explorer is unresponsive, the command prompt may help fix it. Follow the below steps to resolve the issue: 

• Type “Command Prompt” in the search bar and select Command Prompt to launch. To open the program, You can press “Windows key + R” and type “cmd” in the field box. 
• Enter “taskkill /f /im explorer.exe” and press “Enter.” This will terminate the File Explorer process.

• Restart the File Explorer by typing “start explorer.exe” and pressing “Enter.”

Check to see if the File Explorer not responding Windows 11 problem has been resolved. 

3. Run a System File Checker Scan

You can check for system file corruptions and repair any damaged files using the System File Checker in Windows. Corrupted files on your computer may be the cause of your Windows 10 File Explorer isn’t responding. 

Here’s how to run the System File Checker scan: 

• Type “Command Prompt” in the search bar. 
• Right-click on the program and select “Run as Administrator.”

• Type “sfc /scannow” and press “Enter.”

Restart your computer after the scan to see if the problem has been resolved. 

4. Use a Batch File to Restart the Explorer.exe

If the File Explorer keeps not responding, you can use the batch file and launch it with administrative permissions to end and restart the File Explorer. Here’s how to do it: 

• Right-click on a space on your Desktop. Then, click on “New,” then “Text document.”

• Name the file “Restart Explorer” and use the Notepad application to open the file. 
• Paste the below information into the document: 

taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe

start explorer.exe

Exit

• Click on “File” then “Save as.” 

• In the “Save as” section, select “All Files” as the file type. Then, rename the file document as “Restart Explorer.bat” and click “Save.” 

• Right-click the Restart Explorer.bat file on the Desktop and select “Run as administrator.”

• Check if the Windows Explorer search not working has been resolved. 

5. Repair Thumbnails

File Explorer displays thumbnail previews of files, making it easier to recognize or get a sense of the contents instantly. However, if there are damaged thumbnails or improperly formatted files, File Explorer could become unresponsive. 

You can try either clearing the thumbnail cache or turning off thumbnails to resolve this problem. Here’s how to do it: 

• Click “Windows + R” to open the Run box and enter “cleanmgr” into the field box.

• Check the thumbnails box and click “OK.”

This step will delete unnecessary cache in the thumbnails. If it doesn’t work, use the steps below to disable thumbnails: 

• Press “Windows + R” and enter “systempropertiesadvanced” into the field box.
• Click “Settings” under the performance section.

• If the “Show thumbnails instead of icons” is checked, uncheck it, click “Apply, and “OK.”

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Related: Thumbnails Not Showing in Windows 10? Check These Fixes 

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6. Clear File Explorer History

Most Windows users with File Explorer not responding issues have tried this method, which worked for them. So if non of the solutions explained has not worked so far, try clearing your File Explorer history.

Here’s how to do it:

• Type “Control Panel” in the search box and click to launch the program.

• Search for “File Explorer Options” and click on it. 
• Click “Clear” and “OK” to clear File Explorer history.

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Related: Windows 10 Control Panel: Where to Find It 

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7. Change Display Settings

Display settings don’t seem connected to problems with File Explorer not responding Windows 10. However, it can significantly affect how quickly your computer performs if it is not set to the proper size for text, programs, or other items.

Usually, using unsupported screens and text sizes could cause File Explorer to crash. You can restore the default sizes for text, apps, and other items if you have changed them to unsuitable ones. Follow the steps below to fix it:

• Type “Settings” into the search bar or right-click on the Windows Start and choose “Settings.” 
• When the program starts, select “System.” If you can’t find it, type “System” in the search field and click on it. 

• Change the text size to 100% or reset the Recommended point on the “Display” panel.

Check to see if the File Explorer search not working has been resolved. 

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Also Read: What if Windows 10 display is too big for a monitor?

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8. Create a New User Account

The File Explorer not responding Windows 11 issue has been resolved by creating a new user account for some users. By creating a new user account, you may be able to solve the problem.

If your computer only has one user account, you can create a second one by following Microsoft’s instructions. Then, see if File Explorer functions properly.

If you use the new account, the recently used files under Quick Access will be deleted. If this process resolves the problem, you can transfer all your data from the old account to the new one.

The only disadvantage is that you might have to reinstall some programs with your new account. If this method is too complete or frustrating, you can try other solutions discussed on this page. 

9. Check for the Latest Windows Updates

The File Explorer not responding may be a Windows issue. So updating your PC to the current version may fix the problem. Here’s how to update your Windows to the latest version:

• Type “Settings” in the search bar and click to open 
• Click “Windows Update” at the Windows setting interface

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• Click “Check for updates” to install the latest updates.

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Related: Windows Update Cleanup: How to Free Up Disk Space 

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10. Restore Your Windows to an Earlier Date

Another way to fix the File Explorer search not working is to restore your Windows to an earlier date when it was working properly. Here’s how to do it:

• Type “Create a system restore point” into the search box and click to open.

• Click “System Restore” under the same name. 

• Follow the instructions on the screen and select a restore point to restore your computer to an earlier date when the File Explorer was functioning.

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Also Read: Fixing Restore Point not working in Windows 10

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Conclusion

File Explorer offers a user-friendly graphical interface for browsing and managing files, folders, and hard drives. However, there are several reasons why you can face the File Explorer not responding issue.

Some issues include massive files or folders, outdated or faulty drivers, a bad hard drive, malware or viruses, etc. You can use the solutions discussed in this guide to solve the problem, such as restarting File Explorer using the Task Manager, running a System File Checker scan, etc.

You can troubleshoot and resolve File Explorer not responding issues by using the processes listed above. This ensures a more effective and seamless file management process on your Windows PC.

FAQ

Why is File Explorer Not Responding?

There are various reasons why File Explorer can stop functioning. Having a lot of files or folders on your system is one common reason for delayed loading and unresponsiveness. Another reason could be outdated or faulty drivers. Additionally, problems with installed software programs could make File Explorer malfunction.

How to Fix File Explorer Not Responding?

There are several fixes you can attempt if File Explorer suddenly stops working. First, try restarting your computer to see if it fixes the problem. The current version of Windows can improve system performance and solve current issues. Also, ensure your system drive has enough free space because an entire drive can prevent File Explorer from operating as it should.

What to Do If I Can’t Search in File Explorer?

You can take action to solve the issue if the File Explorer isn’t working. Check the File Explorer options to see if the search feature is activated first. Any temporary problems could be fixed by restarting File Explorer or your computer. If there are issues with indexing files for search, rebuild the index. Ensure the folders or files you are looking for are not blocked from indexing by search engines.

How to Search File Explorer by File Type?

Navigate to the folder where you want to search by opening File Explorer. Enter “kind:” and the file type you’re looking for (such as kind:documents or kind:pictures) in the search field.

To start the search, press Enter or click the search symbol. You can more effectively identify the files you require depending on their kind by using File Explorer, which will show files that match the requested file type.