5 Ways to Fix Windows Explorer Loading Slowly

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Restart File Explorer

While yourestart Windows Explorer, the currently running process is terminated. Once a fresh instance of Windows Explorer is created, it is also less likely to contain bugs and glitches.

Step 1:OpenTask Managerfrom the Start menu. Or hitCtrl + Alt + Deland selectTask Manager.

Step 2:Scroll down to Windows Processes, and you will find the Windows Explorer process.Right-clickand selectRestart.

Alternatively, you can use the search bar to find the Windows Explorer process. Right-click on the search result and select Restart.

Fix 2: Clear Quick Access (File Explorer Search History)

If there’s a long list of items in the File Explorer history, it may take Windows Explorer additional resources and time to load the same.

Open theFile Explorer Optionsapp from the start menu. In theGeneraltab, click on theclear buttonnext to Clear File Explorer History.

Fix 3: Add Folder Optimization Settings

You can optimize a folder based on its contents. This means Windows Explorer can handle the folder in specific ways to improve loading speeds and performance.

Step 1:Right-click on thefolderthat often loads slowly and selectproperties. Go to theCustomize taband click on the drop-down menu under Optimize the folder for.

Step 2:Select the relevant option based on the type of content in the folder. Click onOKto save changes and optimize the folder based on its contents.

Fix 4: Troubleshoot Search and Indexing

You can troubleshoot problems with search and indexing that can help improve loading speeds on Windows Explorer. This can eliminate any issue preventing Windows Explorer from efficiently navigating through the vast database of files and folders on your PC.

Step 1:Open theIndexing Optionsapp from the Start menu.

Step 2:Click onTroubleshoot Search and Indexing.

Follow the on-screen instructions to help Windows understand, diagnose, and get rid of the issue you’re facing.

Fix 5: Reset File Explorer to Default

If there’s any misconfiguration affecting File Explorer that is affecting the loading speeds, resetting all settings to defaults will help.

Open theFile Explorer Optionsapp from the Start menu > go toGeneral> click onRestore Defaults.

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Last updated on 17 July, 2024

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