Alex Ruben
4 Effective Methods to Fix File Explorer Issues on Windows 10 and 11
Having problems with File Explorer on your Windows 10 or 11 PC can be frustrating, as it is an essential component for navigating files and folders. In this guide, we will walk you through four effective methods to troubleshoot and resolve the issues you’re facing. Whether it’s an unresponsive File Explorer or unexpected crashes, this tutorial offers step-by-step solutions to help restore its functionality and optimize your experience.
Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager
The first method you can try is restarting the Windows Explorer process through the Task Manager. This is a quick and often effective fix that can resolve temporary glitches.
- Right-click on the Taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
- Select Task Manager from the context menu.
- In the Task Manager window, scroll down to find Windows Explorer in the list of processes.
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and choose Restart.
After performing these steps, check if the File Explorer is now functioning correctly.
Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)
If restarting Windows Explorer doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to run the System File Checker tool, which scans and repairs corrupted system files that may be affecting File Explorer.
- Open the Search bar on your Windows desktop.
- Type
CMDto locate the Command Prompt. - Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, type
sfc /scannowand press Enter.
The SFC scan might take some time to complete. Once it finishes, restart your computer and see if this resolves the File Explorer issues.
Step 3: Reset File Explorer Settings
If the previous methods were unsuccessful, you can try resetting the File Explorer settings to their default values. This often helps in fixing configuration-related issues.
- Open the Search bar and type Control Panel.
- Select Control Panel from the search results.
- In the Control Panel, search for File Explorer Options and click on it.
- Click on the Clear button and then select Restore Defaults.
- Change the option for “Open File Explorer to” to This PC.
- Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.
This reset can often clear out issues related to user configurations. Test File Explorer again after completing these steps.
Step 4: Disable Non-Microsoft Services
If your File Explorer is still not working, it might be due to conflicting third-party services. Disabling all non-Microsoft services can help troubleshoot the issue.
- Open the Search bar and type
msconfig. - Select the System Configuration option from the results.
- Navigate to the Services tab in the System Configuration window.
- Check the box that says Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click on Disable all to turn off all the non-Microsoft services.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
After your computer restarts, check if File Explorer is working properly. If this resolves the issue, you can gradually enable services to identify the one causing the problem.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When troubleshooting File Explorer issues, it’s helpful to keep a few additional tips in mind:
- Make sure your Windows operating system is updated to the latest version to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.
- If you have recently installed any applications, they could be interfering with File Explorer. Consider uninstalling them to see if that helps.
- Clearing File Explorer’s cache and thumbnails can also be beneficial; use tools like Disk Cleanup.
Conclusion
By following these four methods, you should be able to resolve problems with File Explorer on your Windows 10 or 11 system. The solutions range from simple restarts to more comprehensive service management, giving you versatile options to tackle the issue. Regular maintenance and updates are essential in keeping your system running smoothly, so don’t hesitate to implement them whenever necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if File Explorer keeps crashing?
If File Explorer continues to crash even after following these methods, consider checking for system updates or running a full system antivirus scan to eliminate any malware interference.
How can I restore missing File Explorer features?
Restoring missing features may involve checking settings in File Explorer Options or even repairing your Windows installation through DISM commands.
Can I prevent File Explorer issues in the future?
To prevent future issues, keep your Windows and drivers updated and avoid installing unnecessary third-party applications that may interfere with system operations.