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Browse For Folder Only Shows Desktop: 5 Ways to Fix It

Corrupt system files can affect Browse for folders' display

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Trying to access your files and folders from an app will request you to browse through your File Explorer directories like desktop and other drives. However, it can be hard to find the needed files if the Browse for folder option only shows the desktop.

Also, you may encounter an error message thatyou can’t access the file because it’s open in another programon your PC.

Why does Browse for folder only show the desktop?

The most common cause is having too many folders or possibly too many icons on the desktop. It makes it difficult for the Browse for folder option to load all the items.

Some other factors that can cause the Browse for folder only to show desktop are:

The causes for this problem may vary in different computers. However, we’ll take you through general fixes for the issues.

What can I do if only the desktop is displayed when browsing for folders?

We recommend you go through the following preliminary checks before trying any advanced troubleshooting:

If you’re unable to fix the issue, proceed with the solution below:

1. Clean up the desktop folders to a smaller number

Adding folders into a library will reduce the number of folders the Browse for folder process will read.

You can checkhow to remove empty folders in Windows 10/11to reduce the number of folders they have. Also, our guide onfixing permissions issues when saving to a locationcan be helpful.

2. Run an SFC scan

Running the SFC scan will detect corrupt system files that can prevent all your drives from showing and repair the files.

If theRun as administrator option stops workingon your PC, check out this guide to fix it.

3. Update Windows OS

If there are any updates available for your PC, Windows will search for and install them. In addition, windows updates will fix bugs causing Browse for folders not to display all your library.

If you encounter issues during the update, check for ways tofix Windows if it’s not connecting to update serviceson your device.

4. Show hidden files

Enabling this setting will make the hidden files available for the browse for folder option.

5. Run Disk Error check in File Explorer

TheDisk errorcheck will detect for issue in File Explorer and repair it. Alternatively, you can checkhow to take ownership of a file or a folderon your PC for easy access.

In conclusion, try to follow the steps in each solution as strictly as possible for optimal results.

We’d love to hear from you if you have further questions or suggestions in the comment section.

Browse For Folder Only Shows Desktop: 5 Ways to Fix It#

Why does Browse for folder only show the desktop?#

What can I do if only the desktop is displayed when browsing for folders?#

1. Clean up the desktop folders to a smaller number#

2. Run an SFC scan#

3. Update Windows OS#

4. Show hidden files#

5. Run Disk Error check in File Explorer#