How to fix Windows 11 File Explorer not responding issues?

Windows 11 File Explorer is an invaluable tool that allows us to effortlessly navigate through our computer’s files and folders. However, like any software, it can occasionally throw us a curveball and become unresponsive, leaving us frustrated and at a loss for what to do.

But fear not, for in this article, we will delve into the depths of this issue and uncover the solutions that will bring our File Explorer back to life. From simple restarts to advanced system scans, we’ve got you covered.

So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you on the path to fixing your Windows 11 File Explorer once and for all.

How to fix Windows 11 File Explorer not responding issues? Essential troubleshooting tips for smoother file management

1. Restart File Explorer Using Task Manager Or Command Prompt

If you are encountering issues with File Explorer on Windows 11, one of the first troubleshooting steps you can take is to restart the application. This can be done using either Task Manager or Command Prompt.

Here’s how you can do it:

Task Manager:
1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.

  1. In the Processes tab, locate “Windows Explorer” or “File Explorer”.

  2. Right-click on it and select “Restart”.

Command Prompt:
1. Press the Windows + X keys and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

  1. In the Command Prompt window, type “taskkill /f /im explorer.exe”.

  2. After the process is terminated, type “explorer.exe” to restart it.

2. Run Sfc And Dism Scans To Fix Corrupt System Files

Corrupt system files can often lead to issues with File Explorer not responding. To fix this, you can run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans.

Here’s how:

SFC Scan:
1. Press the Windows + X keys and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

  1. In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

  2. Wait for the scan to complete and let Windows repair any corrupt files.

DISM Scan:
1. Press the Windows + X keys and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

  1. In the Command Prompt window, type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter.

  2. Wait for the scan to complete and allow Windows to repair any issues that are found.

3. Clear File Explorer Cache

Clearing the File Explorer cache can help resolve issues with the application not responding. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Clear Thumbnail Cache:

  • Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “%localappdata%MicrosoftWindowsExplorer” and press Enter.
  • Delete all the files in the folder.

    • 2. Clear Icon Cache:

  • Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “%userprofile%AppDataLocalIconCache.db” and press Enter.
  • Delete the IconCache.db file.

    • 3. Clear Recent Files History:

  • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:UsersYourUserNameAppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent.
  • Delete all the files in this folder.

    • These troubleshooting tips should help you resolve issues with File Explorer not responding on Windows 11. If the issue persists, you can also consider uninstalling and reinstalling the display driver, using the System Maintenance tool to diagnose and optimize performance, or performing a clean boot to identify any third-party app interference.

    In more severe cases, third-party software like Fortect may provide additional solutions to address the issue.

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