File Explorer Not Working in Windows 10? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you are using Windows 10, you may have faced an annoying hiccup: your File Explorer fails to open or, worse, it crashes repeatedly. This issue can severely disrupt your workflow, and it can be frustrating when you need access to your files quickly. But fear not; we are here to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue!

In this article, we will discuss common reasons why File Explorer may not be working, along with practical, step-by-step solutions. You’ll also find tips on maintaining a healthy file browsing experience in Windows 10.

Table of Contents

Understanding File Explorer in Windows 10

File Explorer is an essential tool in Windows 10, acting as the graphical interface for managing files and folders. It allows users to navigate their system, access files, create new folders, and more. When File Explorer fails, it can hinder your ability to perform day-to-day tasks.

Here are a few common reasons why File Explorer might stop working:

Corrupted Files: Sometimes, the necessary files for File Explorer may get corrupted or damaged.
System Bugs and Glitches: Bugs in Windows updates or changes in the software could impact File Explorer.
Conflicting Software: Certain third-party applications may interfere with File Explorer.
Low System Resources: High memory usage can also cause the File Explorer to become unresponsive.

Understanding these issues will help in effectively diagnosing the underlying problem.

Common Signs that File Explorer is Not Working

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to identify the symptoms of a malfunctioning File Explorer. Here are some indicators that it might not be working correctly:

The File Explorer window fails to open.
A blank window appears when trying to open File Explorer.
File Explorer crashes unexpectedly.
Excessive loading time for folders and files.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How to Fix File Explorer Not Working in Windows 10

If you find that File Explorer is not working as it should, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. Let’s explore each solution in detail, ensuring you have the tools necessary to restore optimal functionality.

1. Restart File Explorer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve many issues. Follow these steps to restart File Explorer:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
In the “Processes” tab, locate “Windows Explorer.”
Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.”

This can clear temporary glitches that are causing the File Explorer to misbehave.

2. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that scans for corrupt files and repairs them. Here’s how to use it:

Press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time depending on your system.

Once the process is complete, restart your computer and check if File Explorer works correctly.

3. Clear File Explorer History

Clearing the history of File Explorer can sometimes help resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:

Open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab.
Select “Options” in the far right corner.
Under the “General” tab, click on “Clear” next to “Clear File Explorer history.”

This can resolve issues related to cached data and corrupted history.

4. Disable Quick Access

Quick Access is a feature in File Explorer that shows recent files and frequently accessed folders, but it can sometimes create issues. To disable it, follow these steps:

Open File Explorer and select the “View” tab.
Click on “Options,” then go to the “General” tab.
In the “Open File Explorer to” dropdown menu, select “This PC” instead of “Quick Access.”
Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Disabling Quick Access might resolve the errors you’ve been encountering.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping Windows up to date is crucial for system performance and compatibility. Here’s how to check for updates:

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Click on “Update & Security.”
Click “Check for updates.” If any updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

The latest updates can fix known bugs that impact File Explorer.

6. Scan for Malware

Malware and viruses can significantly affect system performance, including File Explorer functions. Consider running a full system scan using Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software to eliminate this threat.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help isolate if background programs are interfering with File Explorer:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type msconfig, and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
Check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click “Disable all.”
Next, go to the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
In Task Manager, disable all the startup items.
Restart your computer.

This action helps determine if third-party applications are causing conflicts with File Explorer.

8. Restore Windows to a Previous Point

If File Explorer stopped working after a recent change (like an update or software installation), consider restoring your system:

Press Windows + S and type “Create a restore point,” then select it.
Click on “System Restore” and follow the prompts to restore your system to an earlier state.

This method can undo recent changes that negatively impacted File Explorer.

9. Reset Your PC

If all else fails, you may need to reset Windows 10. This is a more drastic measure, so ensure your data is backed up first:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to “Update & Security” and click on “Recovery.”
Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started” and select your preferred option.

Choose to either keep your files or remove everything based on your needs.

Preventive Measures for a Healthy File Explorer

Having resolved your File Explorer issues, it’s vital to implement preventive measures to avoid future complications.

1. Regular Updates

Ensure your operating system and installed software are updated regularly. This can prevent bugs that may arise from outdated software.

2. Disk Cleanup

Perform regular disk cleanups to remove temporary files and unnecessary system files:

Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar.
Select the drive you want to clean, generally the C: drive, and click “OK.”
Check the boxes for the file types you want to delete and click “OK.”

This practice can enhance system performance and help maintain File Explorer’s efficiency.

3. Use Reliable Third-Party Software

If you’re using third-party applications that modify File Explorer’s behavior, ensure they are reliable and frequently updated. Search for user reviews or forums to gauge the software’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

Experiencing issues with File Explorer in Windows 10 can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to derail your productivity. By following the steps and troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, you can streamline your file management process and get back to seamless operation in no time. Remember, regular maintenance, updates, and careful use of third-party software can go a long way in ensuring a stable and efficient File Explorer.

Whether you’re rooting around in your documents or managing files for work, a fully functioning File Explorer is crucial. If you encounter issues in the future or want to prevent them from occurring, you now have a solid foundation of solutions at your disposal. Happy file exploring!

What are the common reasons for File Explorer not working in Windows 10?

The common reasons for File Explorer not working in Windows 10 include corrupted system files, outdated software, or issues with add-ons. Corrupted files can lead to unexpected behavior in File Explorer, causing it to freeze or crash. Additionally, if you’re running an older version of Windows 10, you may encounter compatibility issues that can affect how File Explorer operates.

Another reason could be conflicts with third-party software, particularly antivirus programs, which sometimes interfere with the normal operation of File Explorer. Lastly, overloaded memory resources due to running too many applications simultaneously can lead to File Explorer becoming unresponsive.

How can I restart File Explorer to fix it?

You can easily restart File Explorer using the Task Manager. To do this, right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” Once the Task Manager window opens, look for “Windows Explorer” in the list of running processes. Right-click on it and select “Restart.” This action will refresh File Explorer without needing to reboot your computer.

Restarting File Explorer will also clear any temporary glitches that may have caused the issue. This method gives your system a quick refresh, and in many cases, it resolves minor issues without requiring more extensive troubleshooting.

What should I do if File Explorer keeps crashing?

If File Explorer keeps crashing, the first step is to check for Windows updates. Go to Settings and navigate to “Update & Security.” Download and install any available updates, as they might include bug fixes and performance improvements that can help stabilize File Explorer. After updating, restart your computer and see if the problem persists.

If crashes continue, consider running the System File Checker tool. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow. This command will scan for and attempt to repair any corrupted system files that could be causing File Explorer to malfunction. After running the tool, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

How do I reset the File Explorer settings?

Resetting the File Explorer settings can help resolve any configuration issues that may be causing it to misbehave. To do this, open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab at the top. Select “Options,” and in the Folder Options window, go to the “View” tab and click on “Reset Folders.” This action will restore the default settings for file viewing.

Additionally, you can clear the File Explorer history by clicking on “Clear” in the same window. This can also help in resolving any issues that are linked to previously accessed files or folders, offering a fresh start for your File Explorer.

Can antivirus software cause issues with File Explorer?

Yes, antivirus software can sometimes cause issues with File Explorer. Some antivirus programs may be overly protective, scanning files on access, which can slow down or hinder the performance of File Explorer. This can lead to freezing, crashing, or delays when trying to open folders.

To check if your antivirus is the culprit, temporarily disable it and see if File Explorer operates normally. If it does, consider adjusting the settings in your antivirus software to allow for smoother operation of Windows File Explorer, or try using a less intrusive antivirus solution.

How can I fix File Explorer not responding?

If File Explorer is not responding, first try the simple step of closing and reopening it. Use Task Manager to end the File Explorer task, then restart it. This often resolves the immediate issue. If the problem continues, check for problematic plugins or extensions that might be affecting its performance, especially if you have recently installed new software.

Additionally, running a Windows Troubleshooter may also be beneficial. Go to Settings, then “Update & Security,” followed by “Troubleshoot.” Select the “Additional troubleshooters” option and run the recommended troubleshooter for Windows File Explorer. This can automatically detect and repair issues that may be causing it to become unresponsive.

Is it possible to reinstall File Explorer?

Reinstalling File Explorer as a standalone program is not possible since it is an integrated part of the Windows operating system. However, you can reset its functionalities by re-registering File Explorer through PowerShell. To do this, search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.” In the PowerShell window, type the command Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter.

This command will re-register all Windows apps, including File Explorer, which can restore it to its original state. After completing this process, it’s advisable to restart your computer and check if the File Explorer issue has been resolved or improved.