File Explorer is one of the most used tools in Windows, and it makes it easy to find files and folders on your computer or device. But when File Explorer Not Responding is a more common issue, it could hamper your work and also create huge frustration. Whether the window hangs, crashes, or just freezes and stops loading, this is an issue that affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
The good news is that the File Explorer Not Responding issue can be fixed without requiring you to be a tech professional. In this extensive guide, we’re going to show you the 7 most effective methods that can be used to fix the problem step by step with easy and practical solutions for most people.
Also Read: Word Document Format Errors on Mac
What Causes File Explorer Not to Respond?
Before we get onto the fixes, it’s helpful to have an idea of what might be causing the problem in the first place so you can apply the correct solution:
- Corrupted system files
- Outdated or incompatible Windows updates
- The Excel temp file or cache has become too large
- Conflicting third-party shell extensions
- Broken Quick Access settings or customizations of a large folder
- Malware or driver issues
Now we are seeking to Fix The File Explorer Not Responding Error by using some great methods that you should definitely try.
Method 1: Restart the Windows Explorer Process (Quick fixes)
If you want to unfreeze File Explorer quickly, restart its process.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to activate Task Manager.
- Scroll down, and you will find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
This will cause your taskbar to momentarily disappear, as well as any other windows and icons on your desktop – don’t worry, this is normal. This trick fixes more than 60% of the temporary File Explorer Not Responding problem right away.
Method 2: Delete File Explorer Cache and History
Slowly but surely, File Explorer stashes away cache that can actually slow down the file handler – it’s true!
- Open File Explorer > View tab > Options.
- In Folder Options, click the General tab.
- Click Clear under “Clear File Explorer history.”
- Go to the View tab, and select Reset Folders followed by Apply.
This action deletes errant thumbnails and corrupt search history that usually leads to the ” File Explorer Not Responding message.
Method 3: Perform SFC and DISM Scans
- Damaged or corrupted system files are another source of Explorer crashes.
- Right-click the Start button > Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each.
text
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After the scans are finished, reboot your PC.
These built-in utilities also fix corrupted Windows components that are causing the File Explorer Not Responding errors.
Method 4: Ignore Quick Access and Reboot Settings
In case all the above solutions didn’t work, you can also try to disable quick access and revert settings. File Explorer can become overwhelmed by Quick Access, particularly if you’ve pinned network locations to it.
- File Explorer Options (same as Method 2).
- Under Privacy, uncheck both options:
- Display most recently used files in Quick access
- Show the most used and recently used folders in Quick Access
- Click Clear → Apply → OK.
- Or, optionally, change “Open File Explorer to” to This PC (from Quick Access).
Many have claimed that they see instant betterment after they turn off this feature.
Method 5: Ensure that Windows Is Up to Date
Microsoft also regularly publishes updates to correct bugs in Explorer.
- Press Win + I >choose Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any you can find.
- Restart your computer.
Now, one of the permanent solutions for File Explorer not responding on Windows 10 is to keep your Windows updates up to date.
Method 6: Turn Off Third-Party Shell Extensions
Crashy context menu extensions from apps such as WinRAR, antivirus software, or a cloud service (such as Dropbox or OneDrive) are an often-overlooked culprit.
Use the free NirSoft tool ShellExView:
- Download and run ShellExView (no installation required).
- Arrange by the Company column. Disable non-Microsoft extensions (red rows) → F7.
- Restart Explorer or your PC.
Re-enable extensions until you find the one causing the issue.
Method 7: Clean Boot the Computer
If the problem continues, another program is interfering.
- Press Win + R → Type msconfig → Press Enter.
- Navigate to Services → Check “Hide all Microsoft services” → Disable everything else.
- Navigate to Startup and Open Task Manager, and Disable all.
- Restart your PC.
Enable services /apps one after the other, to isolate which is responsible for this.
When Nothing Works – Get Expert Help
If you have tried all seven of the above methods and File Explorer Not Responding still happens frequently, there may be something more deeply wrong with your system, or at the hardware level. Don’t go on the brink of losing your sanity; call a professional Windows expert to determine and fix the root cause fast.
You can visit Adobe support or contact our certified experts at 1-800-319-0494 for fast & reliable communication.
Final Thoughts
The error of File Explorer Not Responding can be annoying, but luckily, in almost all cases, you will be able to solve the problem with one or multiple of the seven methods mentioned above. Yes, you work your way up from the easy fixes, restarting Explorer and clearing cache, to SFC scans and clean boot, etc.
If you do, follow this guide, and hopefully, you will again have smooth and responsive access to your files without resorting to a new install of Windows.
