Share this article
Improve this guide
Fix File Explorer Freezing / not Responding & More Issues
Use the steps below to solve the Windows Explorer keeps freezing issue
11 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Many users have already switched toWindows 10, but some users that have switched to Windows 10 are experiencing specific issues.
Some users are havingfile explorerproblems withWindows 10, but fortunately, there are a few solutions that you can try.
So, if you need any information on how to fix File Explorer not showing, you have come to the right place to do so.
Why does my File Explorer keep freezing?
It can happen for multiple reasons, as you are about to see. The following are the most common triggers:
Keep in mind that some applications or services running on your PC may be causing Windows Explorer to stop working.
Issues with this feature are relatively common in all versions, and many users reported thatFile Explorer is lagging in Windows 11.
That’s not the only issue,File Explorer crashes in Windows 11have been occurring for some users as well, but luckily there are ways to fix them.
File Explorer problems can be rather annoying, and in this article, we’re going to cover the following issues:
Users report problems with Windows Explorer saying that Windows Explorer crashes or that it hangs when the user right-clicks something.
As you can see, this is a big problem since it can drastically limit your user experience, so here are a few solutions you might want to try.
How do I fix a corrupted File Explorer that keeps freezing?
1. Run netsh and winsock reset
2. Uninstall KB3081449 and KB3081448 updates
Several users reported that update KB3081449 was the cause of the issue, so let’s see how to delete it.
3. Hide hidden files and folders
If you’re having problems withFile Explorer,such as crashes, you might be able to fix the issue simply by hiding hidden files and folders. Some files are hidden by default, but you can reveal them by changing your settings.
If hidden folders are revealed, you might experience issues withFile Explorer, so you should revert these settings by doing the following:
After making these changes, the problem withFile Explorershould be resolved. Many users reported that this solution worked for them, so try it out.
4. Enable Launch folder windows in a separate process
Another way to fixFile Explorerproblems onWindows 10is to enable Launch folder windows in a different process option. This is relatively simple, and you can do it by following these steps:
This solution reportedly worked for many users, so we strongly encourage you to try it out.
5. Disable Quick Access and File Preview features
If you’re havingFile Explorerproblems, you might be able to fix them simply by changing a few settings. According to users, you have to disable Quick Access and File Preview features.
-
OpenFile ExplorerOptions.
-
In theGeneraltab, setOpenFile ExplorertoThis PC. Now uncheckShow recently used files in Quick accessandShow frequently used folders in Quick accessoptions. Click theClear buttonto get rid of the history.
-
Now go to theView taband uncheckShow preview handlers in the preview pane. Now, click on Apply and OK to save changes.
-
Lastly, make sure that the preview pane is disabled. You can disable it once you openFile Explorerby pressingAlt + Pon your keyboard.
After changing these options, check if the problems withFile Explorerstill appear.
6. Perform a clean boot
Sometimes specific startup applications can interfere with your PC and cause File Explorer problems. However, you can easily find the problematic application using a clean boot.
To do that, you need to follow these steps:
Once your PC restarts, check if the problem withFile Explorerstill appears. If not, it means that one of your disabled applications or services was causing the issue.
To find the problematic application, you must repeat the steps above and enable applications and services individually or in groups.
Remember to save changes and restart your PC to apply them. Once your PC restarts, check if the issue appears. Keep enabling applications and services until you find the problematic application.
Once you find the problematic application, you can disable it, uninstall or update it and check if that solves the issue.
Many users reported that disabling startup applications fixed the problem for them, so be sure to try this solution.
Otherwise, you have the alternative of using different file management tools that certainly improves your workflow. Thus enjoy practical features and choose between thebest file manager software.
7. Reset the file associations
If you haveFile Explorerproblems such as freezing, the problem might be related to your file associations.
However, you can quickly fix that problem by resetting file associations to default. To do that, follow these steps:
After resetting file associations to default, the problem with unresponsiveFile Explorershould be resolved.
8. Remove IDT Audio
According to users, manyFile Explorerproblems can be caused by IDT Audio; to fix them; you need to remove this application. Once you remove it, it’s advised to delete all associated files and registry entries.
This is too complicated to do manually, so removing IDT Audio might be a good idea usinguninstaller software.
Many great uninstaller tools are available, but many users reported that they removed this application and all its files usingCCleaner(free download), so feel free to download it and try it.
It is excellent software from IObit, and it will help you remove all the leftovers of an app or program so they won’t interfere with your system’s functionalities. This is very useful; many programs use multiple directories and registry entries.
Once you remove IDT audio, the problem should be resolved entirely, and yourFile Explorerwill start working again.
9. Change scaling settings
File Explorer problems can sometimes occur due to your scaling settings. For example, users reported that theirFile Explorerisn’t responding, but they managed to fix that issue with this simple trick.
Remember that this solution only works if you’re using scaling higher than 100%. To change the scaling, do the following:
After doing that, the problem should be resolved, and you’ll be able to use File Explorer without any problems. However, remember that this might not be a permanent solution, so you’ll have to repeat it if the problem reappears.
10. Make sure that your PC is set for dual monitors
According to users,File Explorercan become missing if your PC is configured for dual monitors. File Explorer can open on a second monitor that isn’t currently attached, so it might seem thatFile Explorerisn’t working for you.
However, you can quickly fix that by changing your computer configuration and setting your PC to work with only a single monitor.
Are you looking for the best dual-monitor software for Windows? Look no further, ashereare the best options.
How to reset File Explorer in Windows 10?
Keep in mind that a few users reported that Windows couldn’t find explorer.exe, making this process much harder to complete.
How can I fix File Explorer problems on Windows 11?
If you started experiencing File Explorer issues, restart File Explorer on Your Windows 11 PC as a first measure.
You can follow that with a PC restart. If you are still experiencing trouble, be sure also to clear the Windows 11 File Explorer’s Cache.
Check Windows Update for the latest software, use the System Maintenance Tool, and most importantly, scan your Windows 11 PC for Viruses and Malware.
Can I uninstall and reinstall File Explorer?
To answer this, yes, you can delete it if you haveadministrative accessto the file system. But is it worth it?
Remember that you would no longer have a desktop to work with since theexplorer.exefile is what you would be deleting.
Remember that this executable has two functions. Its first instance provides you with what you see as the Windows desktop environment. Any other model is what provides the File Explorer application.
As you can see, problems withfile explorercan seriously limit yourWindows 10user experience, but we hope that these solutions were helpful to you.
If you have hadFile Explorer workingon it for too long, it’s time to take action. If yourFile Explorer is not respondingon your Windows 11 PC, refer to the solutions above.
You can also encounter situations where yourFile Explorer is not responding on Windows 10, but the solutions are still the same.
Explorer.exe not responding on startup will imply that measures need to be taken to solve the entire problem.
Remember that many users have reported File Explorer not responding when opening Microsoft Word, so if you are in the same situation, again, refer to the steps above.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, reach for the comments section below.
More about the topics:File Explorer
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
User forum
21 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
