Windows File Explorer Is Not Responding: How to Fix It
When Windows File Explorer is not responding, the problem does not necessarily mean that your files are damaged.
When this happens, you may see a message such as “Windows Explorer is not responding”, or File Explorer may simply stop responding to clicks.
In some cases, the taskbar and desktop can also become temporarily unresponsive because they are closely connected to the Windows Explorer process.
Let’s learn the steps to resolve this problem!
Windows File Explorer is Not Responding [Fix]
Windows File Explorer may stop responding because of a temporary system glitch, corrupted system files, problematic startup applications, damaged File Explorer history, outdated drivers, or an issue with an attached storage device. Restarting File Explorer is usually the easiest first step, but if the problem keeps returning, you may need to repair Windows system files or identify the application causing the conflict.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Restart Windows File Explorer
The first thing you should try is restarting the Windows Explorer process. This does not restart your entire computer. Instead, it closes and reloads the part of Windows responsible for File Explorer, the taskbar, and some parts of the desktop.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager. If Task Manager appears in a simplified view, select More details to see the full list of running processes.
Look for Windows Explorer in the list. You may need to scroll through the processes to find it. Once you locate it, click Windows Explorer once to select it.
Now right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart. Your screen may briefly disappear or refresh. The taskbar can also disappear for a few seconds. This is normal.
After Windows Explorer reloads, try opening File Explorer again by pressing Windows + E. If it opens normally, the problem was probably caused by a temporary Explorer process problem.
Step 2: Restart Your Computer
If restarting Windows Explorer did not solve the problem, restart the entire computer.
Save any open documents first because restarting Windows can close applications that have unsaved work. Then select Start, choose the Power button, and select Restart.
After Windows starts again, wait for the desktop to fully load before opening several programs. Then press Windows + E and check whether File Explorer responds normally.
A restart can clear temporary memory problems, stuck processes, and software conflicts that may prevent File Explorer from working correctly.
Step 3: Clear File Explorer History
File Explorer keeps a history of recently accessed locations and files. If this history becomes corrupted or problematic, File Explorer can sometimes become slow or stop responding.
Press the Windows key and type Control Panel. Open Control Panel, then select File Explorer Options. If you cannot immediately see it, use the search box in Control Panel.
Under the General tab, look for the Privacy section. You should see an option labeled Clear next to the File Explorer history setting.
Select Clear, then click OK.
Now open File Explorer again. Clearing this history does not delete your personal files. It simply removes the stored File Explorer history.
Step 4: Change the File Explorer Opening Location
Sometimes File Explorer can have trouble loading a particular location, especially when it is configured to open a large collection of recent files or frequently accessed folders.
Open Control Panel and select File Explorer Options. Under the General tab, find the Open File Explorer to option.
Change it to This PC instead of Home.
Select Apply, then select OK.
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. Windows should now open directly to This PC, where you can see your drives and common folders.
This can be particularly useful if File Explorer freezes while trying to load recent files or frequently accessed locations.
Step 5: Disconnect External USB Devices
A faulty or malfunctioning external storage device can sometimes make File Explorer appear frozen.
If you have connected a USB flash drive, external hard drive, external SSD, memory card reader, phone, or another storage device, disconnect it safely if possible.
If File Explorer is completely frozen, wait a few moments before disconnecting the device. Once the device has been removed, restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager as explained earlier.
Then press Windows + E and test File Explorer.
If File Explorer works normally after removing a particular device, reconnect that device later and check whether the problem returns. The issue could be related to the device, its file system, its cable, or its driver.
Step 6: Check Windows System Files
Corrupted Windows system files can cause different Windows components, including File Explorer, to malfunction.
Windows includes a tool called System File Checker, which can scan protected system files and replace damaged files with healthy versions.
Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
When the User Account Control window appears, select Yes.
Type the following command:
sfc /scannow
Press Enter.
Windows will begin checking system files. The scan can take some time, so do not close the Command Prompt window while it is running.
When the scan finishes, Windows will display a message describing the result. If corrupted files were found and repaired, restart your computer and test File Explorer again.
Step 7: Repair the Windows Component Store
If SFC cannot repair all the damaged files, you can use the DISM tool. DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management and can repair the Windows component store that SFC relies on.
Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
Type this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter and allow the process to finish.
The process may appear to remain at a particular percentage for a while. Do not close the window simply because the percentage does not change immediately.
After DISM completes, run the SFC scan again:
sfc /scannow
Restart your computer after both operations have completed and check File Explorer.
Step 8: Update Windows
An outdated or improperly updated version of Windows can sometimes cause system components to behave unexpectedly.
Press Windows + I to open Settings. Select Windows Update from the left side.
Select Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available updates.
If updates are available, install them and restart your computer when requested.
After the restart, test File Explorer again. Keeping Windows updated can also ensure that you receive bug fixes and compatibility improvements for system components.
Step 9: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers
File Explorer can sometimes become unresponsive because of a problem with a storage, graphics, chipset, or other hardware driver.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand categories such as Disk drives, Display adapters, and Storage controllers. Look for devices showing a warning symbol.
If you know that a particular device recently started causing problems, right-click it and select Update driver.
Avoid randomly uninstalling hardware drivers if you are unfamiliar with Device Manager. If the issue started immediately after a driver update, the Roll Back Driver option may also be available and can be useful in that specific situation.
Step 10: Perform a Clean Boot
If File Explorer works normally after Windows starts but becomes unresponsive after other applications load, a third-party program may be causing a conflict.
A clean boot starts Windows with a limited set of drivers and startup programs, making it easier to identify software conflicts.
Press Windows + R, type:
msconfig
and press Enter.
Open the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services. Be careful with this option because disabling the wrong services can affect installed software.
You can then investigate third-party services and startup applications to identify whether a recently installed program is responsible.
If you are not comfortable changing these settings, skip this step and use the earlier troubleshooting methods first.
Faqs
Why is Windows File Explorer not responding?
File Explorer can stop responding because of temporary Windows glitches, corrupted system files, problematic drivers, damaged Explorer history, external storage problems, or third-party software conflicts.
How do I restart File Explorer when it is not responding?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.
Will restarting File Explorer delete my files?
No. Restarting the Windows Explorer process does not delete your documents, photos, downloads, or other personal files.
Why does File Explorer freeze when I plug in a USB drive?
The USB drive may have a file system problem, damaged data, a connection problem, a faulty cable, or a driver issue. Disconnect the device and test File Explorer again.
Can corrupted Windows files cause File Explorer to freeze?
Yes. Damaged Windows system files can affect File Explorer and other Windows components. Running SFC and DISM can help repair these problems.
What should I do if File Explorer keeps freezing?
Start by restarting Windows Explorer, clearing File Explorer history, disconnecting external devices, and restarting Windows. If the issue continues, check system files with SFC and DISM, install Windows updates, and investigate drivers or third-party software.