File Explorer Not Responding: How to Fix This Issue

File Explorer is a built-in file manager application in Windows. It was released with Windows 95 and has been helping users to manage drives, files, and folders. Even though it’s a useful application, many users face issues while opening it.

It can happen for various reasons like corrupted files, old Windows 10 versions, etc. In this guide, we will share the best ways to fix the File Explorer not responding issue. Let’s get started.

How to Fix File Explorer Not Responding Error

The good thing about the File Explorer not responding issue is it has several solutions. If you can’t solve the error with one method, try another. In the following section, we will share the best solutions. Keep reading to find out:

Method 1: Restart File Explorer in Task Manager

This error can occur for several reasons. One of the most effective ways to solve this problem is by restarting File Explorer in Task Manager. Let’s find out what you have to do:

Step 1: First, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Step 2: Next, right-click Windows Explorer to choose the End task.

Step 3: Go to the top left corner and click on the File option, here you have to select Run new task.

Step 4: Next, input explorer.exe and press Enter.

Once you complete this step, File Explorer will restart quickly. If it’s still not working, you have to implement another method.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Restart File Explorer

Even though this method is unknown to many people, you can restart File Explorer by using the command prompt. You have to use a couple of commands to fix this issue. Let’s find out how:

Step 1: Open Windows 10 Cortana and input cmd to open Command Prompt.

Step 2: Next, input taskkill /f /im explorer.exe in the Command Prompt window and press Enter. After that, you will see a blank screen.

Step 3: Input start explorer.exe and press Enter to start the process again.

After that, your Taskbar, desktop icons, and other elements will come back.

Method 3: Run System File Checker Scan

System File Checker is an excellent in-built Windows element that can help users scan corrupted system files. If your File Explorer is not responding, it can be the cause of corrupted files. In that case, you can run System File Check scan by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Windows 10 Cortana search box and input cmd. Once you find System File Checker, choose Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Next, input sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Step 3: Once the scan is done, restart your computer and check if the issue is solved.

Method 4: Clear History

In most cases, your File Explorer not responding issue can be resolved after clearing File Explorer history. Let’s find out what you have to do:

Step 1: Open the Windows 10 Cortana search box and input Control. Next, click on the Control Panel option.

Step 2: Next, find the File Explorer Options and click on it.

Step 3: Click on the Clear option and select OK to clear file history.

Method 5: Change Display Settings

Even though this method sounds silly, you can actually solve the File Explorer not responding issue by changing display settings. Keep reading the following steps to learn what you have to do:

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and choose Settings. Once the Settings interface is opened, choose System.

Step 2: When the display panel is opened, change the text size to 100%.

Once done, check if you can access File Explorer.

Method 6: Update Windows 10

Sometimes, you can find the File Explorer not responding when Windows 10 isn’t updated. Follow these steps to update Windows 10 to the latest version:

Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and choose Settings.

Step 2: When the settings interface is opened, choose the Update & Security option.

Step 3: Next, click Windows Update and then the Check for updates button. It will install the latest version.

Conclusion

The File Explorer not responding isn’t a crucial error. You can resolve it by implementing some methods. If the issue isn’t fixed, contact the Windows technical support team or seek help from an expert.

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