5 Ways to Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding
Namrata Gogoi is an author covering Buying Guides and device-related tips and tricks. She loves learning and writing about gadgets and accessories that are functional, innovative, and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Since 2016, she has covered smartphones, computer accessories, household electric appliances, and any product that helps bring convenience to one’s life. Previously, she worked as an IT Analyst at TCS but found her calling at Guiding Tech.
Supreeth is passionate about technology and dedicates himself to helping people figure it out. An engineer by education, his understanding of the inner workings of all types of gadgets and devices ensures he provides top-notch guidance, tips, and recommendations to his readers. When away from the desk, you will find him traveling, playing FIFA, or hunting for a good movie.
Basic Fixes
Fix 1: Restart Windows Explorer
One of the first things that you can do is restart the Explorer. If it’s a simple issue of corrupted cache files, the odds are that it will solve your issue.
Step 1:To restart File Explorer, bring up theTask Manager, and you will see Windows Explorer under Processes.
Step 2: Right-clickon it and selectRestartfrom the menu.
Restarting File Explorer throughCommand Prompt (CMD)can sometimes be more effective than simply restarting it using Task Manager because it ensures a cleaner restart of the process.
Step 1:OpenCommand Promptfrom the start menu.
Step 2:Enter the following command :
This will close the file explorer. Do not minimize or close the command prompt window.
Step 3:Enter the following command to restart the File Explorer.
Fix 2: Clear File Explorer History
Explorer’s searchcomes in handy at many times. It saves every detail such as the names of files you have searched, and paths you have searched, among others. These search files can accumulate in time and cause the Windows File Explorer to respond slowly. Luckily,clearing the historyis as easy.
Step 1:To get started,search for anythingin the search box of Explorer. When the search is complete, click on the littlearrow iconas shown below to expand the ribbon.
Step 2:Next, click on theSearchtab, and selectRecent Searches > Clear Search History.
Step 3:The above will work only when your system’s Explorer is working to some extent. However, if it’s frozen, you’ll have to go through Settings.
Step 4:OpenSettings (Win key + I)and search forFile Explorer Options. This will open a small window.
Now, click on theClearbutton under Privacy to clear the Windows Explorer history.
Fix 3: Run Disk Clean-up
If the above fixes have failed to run Windows Explorer, you might want to runDisk Clean-up. As suggestive of its name, it gets rid of temporary files and folders that litter your PC.
Step 1:Search forDisk Clean-up. SelectC: drivefrom the menu.
Step 2:Once the Disk Clean-up window is open, check the options forDownloaded Program Files,Temporary Internet Files, andThumbnailsfrom the list, and click onOK.
Fix 4: Rebuild the Index
Another possible reason for the Explorer not responding or acting slowly may be a slow indexing service. If the File Explorer is slow to load results (or crashes unexpectedly), it’s time you rebuilt the index.
Step 1:Search for theIndexing Optionon the Search menu.
Step 2:Once you locate it, click on theAdvancedbutton at the bottom. Now, underTroubleshooting, click on theRebuildbutton.
Fix 5: Launch in a Separate Process
Even if you have managed to repair the issue with Windows Explorer, the odds are that it might occur again. Hence, it’s best to force the File Explorer window to run in a separate process.
Step 1:Search forFile Explorer Optionsin the start menu. After you locate it, selectView. Next, check the option forLaunch folder windows in a separate process.
If it’s unchecked,check itand tap onOKto save your changes.
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Last updated on 14 August, 2024
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