It's important to learn how to troubleshoot and maintain your computer properly. This blog discusses common problems that can occur with computers, hardware, and software and offers solutions to fix them. Learn tips and tricks on how to troubleshoot and maintain your desktop and laptop.

How to fix file explorer not responding

Solving the File explorer not responding

What is File Explorer?

File Explorer is a GUI component in all editions of Microsoft Windows. It started with the release of Windows 95 by Microsoft and was previously known as Windows Explorer. The graphical user interface makes it very easy for users to access and manage drives, folders, and files. As it is a component of the operating system, it presents multiple user interface items on the screen, such as the desktop and taskbar.

Some users have experienced the issue of unresponsiveness when trying to launch Windows Explorer.

Below are some solutions to this file explorer not responding issue. If you encounter the problem of Windows Explorer not responding, try these methods to solve it.


Solving the Windows explorer not responding issue by Restarting Windows Explorer

Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and click Task Manager or you can press the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys at the same time and select Task Manager.

Screen shot for Restarting Windows Explorer

Click  Details

Find and click Windows Explorer, and click End Task in the lower right corner

Screen shot for Restarting Windows Explorer

Then click File and Select Run new task

Screen shot for Restarting Windows Explorer


Enter
explorer.exe and click OK

Screen shot for Restarting Windows Explorer



How to fix File explorer not responding issue by Restarting the Explorer.exe process manually using the Command Prompt.

Click Start and then type “cmd” into the search box.

In the menu, select Command Prompt (Admin)

Screen shot for Restarting the Explorer.exe


Type taskkill /f /im explorer.exe in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

Screen shot for Restarting the Explorer.exe


The explorer.exe process will end with this command.

To start the explorer.exe process again, type start explorer.exe in the window and press Enter.

Screen shot for Restarting the Explorer.exe


After that, the Taskbar, desktop icons, and other elements will all reappear. (explorer exe repair)



Solving the File explorer not responding issue by Run System File Checker Scan

Click Start and then type “cmd” into the search box.

In the menu, select Command Prompt (Admin)

On the User Account Control (UAC) prompt, click Yes

In the command prompt window, type SFC /scannow and press Enter.

Screen shot for Run System File Checker Scan


Restart the computer after the procedure is finished.



Solving the File explorer not responding issue by  Clearing File Explorer History

Using File Explorer's built-in Delete History option, you can erase the address bar history.

To do this, launch File Explorer by pressing Win + E. Next, choose to Delete History by performing a right-click on the address bar.

Screen shot for Clearing File Explorer History



Solving the File explorer not responding issue by Change Display Settings

Select Start  > Settings  > System > Display.

Screen shot for Change Display Settings

Screen shot for Change Display Settings

Screen shot for Change Display Settings


If you want to change the size of your text and apps. The unaccepted sizes of the screen and text could crash the file explorer. Choose an option from the drop-down menu under Scale and layout

To change your screen resolution, use the drop-down menu under Display resolution.  You should use the Recommended resolution

To adjust your color calibration, search "calibrate display color" in the Settings search box and follow the directions.

Screen shot for Change Display Settings


If you can't find the setting you're looking for, try using the taskbar search box.




Solving the File explorer not responding issue by Extending the system partition

An essential partition is the Windows System partition (C drive). If the C drive is running out of space, problems like delayed program response and failed Windows updates may happen. It is wise to extend the system partition before it is virtually full to avoid potential issues.

Open Disk Management by right-clicking Windows icon and selecting "Disk Management".

Screen shot for Extending the system partition


Right-click on the system partition C: and select "Extend Volume" from the menu

Screen shot for Extending the system partition


Click "Next" and specify the size of the unallocated space that you want to add to the C drive, click "Next" to continue.

Click "Finish" to complete.


Solving the File explorer not responding issue by  Creating a New User Account

Create a local user account

1. Select Start  > Settings  > Accounts and then select Family & other users. (Some Windows versions display Other users.)

Screen shot for Creating a New User Account



Screen shot for Creating a New User Account



Screen shot for Creating a New User Account



2. Next to Add other user, select Add account.

Screen shot for Creating a New User Account

 
Screen shot for Creating a New User Account

3. Select I don't have this person's sign-in information, and on the next page, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.


Screen shot for Creating a New User Account


4. Enter a username, password, or password hint—or choose security
questions—and then select Next.

Using a new account will remove recently used files in Quick Access. All data from your old account will have to be moved to your new account.


Solving the File explorer not responding issue by Upgrading Windows to the latest version


You can check if the latest update is installed by going to the "Updates and Security" section of the Windows Settings app.

 Open Settings

Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Settings

Settings > Update & Security settings > Windows Update

Screen shot for  Windows Update


Screen shot for  Windows Update

Screen shot for  Windows Update


Wait for the process to complete and restart your device to install the changes.

Do not restart or turn off your computer during this process. Interrupting the process could deliver incomplete or faulty patches of the Windows update files.









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