You’re not alone if you’re experiencing issues with File Explorer not responding on Windows 11. Many users encounter this frustrating problem, but the good news is that several methods to resolve it.
This guide will walk you through 9 effective strategies to fix File Explorer not responding on Windows 11, ensuring you can get back to managing your files without hassle. Whether it’s a simple restart, adjusting settings, or utilizing built-in troubleshooting tools, we’ll cover each step in a clear and accessible way.
No need to feel overwhelmed; with a little guidance, you’ll be able to tackle this issue and regain control of your system. Let’s dive into these methods and get your File Explorer running smoothly again!
Restart File Explorer
One of the simplest ways to address File Explorer’s non-responsiveness on Windows 11 is to restart the application. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, scroll down until you find “Windows Explorer” in the list of running processes. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart” from the context menu.
This action will temporarily close and restart File Explorer, which often resolves minor glitches and responsiveness issues. If the problem persists, you might need to explore additional methods outlined in this guide. Restarting File Explorer is a quick and straightforward first step to getting things back on track.
If restarting doesn’t do the trick, consider checking for pending Windows updates that might address underlying system issues. Keeping your system updated can help ensure smoother performance and reduce the likelihood of encountering similar problems in the future.
Clear File Explorer History
Another effective method to fix File Explorer not responding on Windows 11 is to clear the File Explorer history. Over time, File Explorer accumulates a history of your activities, which can sometimes lead to performance issues.
To clear this history, open File Explorer and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then select “Options.” In the Folder Options window, navigate to the “General” tab. Under the “Privacy” section, you will see a button labeled “Clear.”
Click this button to delete the File Explorer history. Additionally, uncheck the boxes next to “Show recently used files in Quick Access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick Access” if you prefer to keep your history clear moving forward.
After performing these steps, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes. This process can help improve the responsiveness of File Explorer and alleviate any lagging issues you might be experiencing.
If the problem persists, consider restarting File Explorer or your computer to ensure all changes take effect properly. Additionally, keeping your system updated with the latest Windows patches can also help maintain optimal performance
Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) tool is an excellent way to fix File Explorer not responding on Windows 11 by identifying and repairing corrupted system files. To run the SFC tool, start by typing “cmd” in the Windows search bar.
Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.” In the Command Prompt window, type the command “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. The system will begin scanning your computer for corrupted files and automatically attempt to repair any issues it finds.
This process may take some time, so be patient and allow it to complete without interruption. Once the scan is finished, you’ll receive a message indicating whether any issues were found and if they were successfully repaired. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Running the System File Checker can help resolve deeper issues within your system that might be causing File Explorer to become unresponsive. If the SFC tool doesn’t fix the problem, you might need to try other troubleshooting steps in this guide.
Run the DISM Command tool
To further address issues with File Explorer not responding on Windows 11, you can use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).
The DISM tool is designed to repair the Windows system image and can resolve underlying issues that might be affecting File Explorer. Begin by typing “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-clicking “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.
” In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter. This command initiates a scan of the system image and automatically repairs any detected problems.
The DISM process may take some time to complete, so it’s important to let it run without interruption. During the scan, DISM will connect to Windows Update to download and replace any damaged files.
Once the scan is finished, you’ll receive a notification about the results. If the DISM tool has successfully repaired issues, you might notice an improvement in File Explorer’s performance.
Restart your computer after running the DISM tool to ensure all repairs are fully implemented. This tool is a powerful method for addressing deeper system problems that could be causing File Explorer to become unresponsive.
Run the Disk Cleanup Utility
Running the Disk Cleanup Utility can help you fix File Explorer not responding on Windows 11 by freeing up space and removing temporary files that might be causing issues.
To start, type “Disk Cleanup” into the Windows search bar and select the Disk Cleanup app from the results. Choose the drive you want to clean, typically the C: drive, and click “OK.” The utility will scan your system for files that can be safely deleted.
Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of file categories, such as Temporary Internet Files, Downloaded Program Files, and Recycle Bin.
Check the boxes next to the categories you want to delete, and then click “OK.” A prompt will ask you to confirm that you want to permanently delete these files; click “Delete Files” to proceed. This process can take a few minutes depending on the amount of data.
Check for Malware
Malware can often cause File Explorer to become unresponsive on Windows 11. To check for malware, start by opening Windows Security. Type “Windows Security” in the search bar and select it from the results.
In the Windows Security window, click on “Virus & threat protection.” From there, click on “Quick scan” to perform a basic check of your system.
For a more thorough examination, select “Scan options” and choose “Full scan,” then click “Scan now.” This comprehensive scan will take more time but is more effective at identifying hidden threats.
If Windows Security doesn’t detect any issues, consider using a reputable third-party antivirus program for an additional layer of security. Popular options include Malwarebytes, Norton, and Bitdefender. Download and install your chosen software, then run a complete system scan. Ensure your antivirus definitions are up-to-date before scanning.
Malware can significantly impact system performance and cause various issues, including an unresponsive File Explorer. Regularly scanning your computer for malware helps maintain system health and prevent similar problems in the future.
After the scan, follow any recommended steps to remove detected threats and restart your computer to apply changes.
Change File Explorer’s Startup Folder
Changing File Explorer’s startup folder can help resolve responsiveness issues by preventing it from loading problematic directories upon launch. To modify the startup folder, open File Explorer and click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then select “Options.” In the Folder Options window, navigate to the “General” tab.
You will see a drop-down menu under the “Open File Explorer” section. By default, this is set to “Quick access.” Change it to “This PC” to start File Explorer in a less cluttered view, which can improve performance.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes. Now, when you open File Explorer, it will launch to the “This PC” view, displaying drives and folders without the potential lag associated with Quick access.
This adjustment can reduce the likelihood of File Explorer freezing or becoming unresponsive, especially if your Quick Access list contains numerous or problematic items. If changing the startup folder doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed with the other troubleshooting methods in this guide to ensure your system is functioning optimally.
Reset Windows 11
If all other methods fail to resolve File Explorer not responding on Windows 11, resetting your system may be the next step. Resetting Windows 11 reinstalls the operating system, potentially fixing any deep-seated issues.
To begin, open the Settings app by pressing Win + I. Navigate to “System” and then select “Recovery” from the menu. In the Recovery settings, you’ll see an option labeled “Reset this PC.” Click “Reset PC” and choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
Keeping your files will only reinstall Windows and leave your personal files intact while removing everything will delete all personal files, apps, and settings.
After making your choice, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. The system will restart several times, and the reset might take some time. Once finished, you’ll have a fresh installation of Windows 11, which should resolve persistent issues with File Explorer.
Update your Windows 11
Keeping Windows 11 up to date is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and resolving issues like File Explorer not responding. To check for updates, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Navigate to “Windows Update” in the left sidebar.
Click on “Check for updates” to see if there are any available updates for your system. If updates are found, follow the prompts to download and install them.
Windows updates often include important fixes and improvements that can address underlying problems affecting File Explorer. It’s a good idea to allow your system to restart after updates are installed to ensure all changes are properly applied.
Regularly updating your system helps maintain stability and security, reducing the chances of encountering similar issues in the future.
If an update is available but not installed, you can try using the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which is accessible via the “Troubleshoot” section in the Settings app. Running this tool can help identify and fix problems that might be preventing updates from being applied.
Keeping your system current with the latest patches and features is a proactive step in maintaining smooth and responsive performance for all your applications, including File Explorer.
How to fix explorer.exe not responding in Windows 11?
Check for Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then selecting Check for updates to ensure you have the latest patches and fixes installed that may resolve existing bugs in explorer.exe.