File Explorer is an integral part of the Windows 10 operating system. Microsoft’s built-in file manager is a convenient way to access and manage files, drives and folders. It is bound to get a major overhaul with the next Windows 10 update featuring UI changes and new icons. In its current state, many users have experienced File Explorer not opening or slow responding when accessing a folder containing thousands of files.
The behavior can break your workflow, as you depend on File Explorer to access and move files between drives and folders. If you are among those who have File Explorer not opening issue, it is time to troubleshoot it using the following tricks.
1. Restart File Explorer
You can restart the File Explorer application from the Task Manager. Follow the steps below.
Stage 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager.
Step 2: Open Task Manager and search for more details.
Stage 3: Select the Windows Explorer application.
Step 4: Click Restart in the lower right corner.
The system will restart the File Explorer app for you.
2. End Task and Restart File Explorer
If you don’t see the Restart option in the above trick, you need to end the task for the Windows Explorer app and restart the app. Go through the steps below.
Stage 1: Press the Windows key and search for Task Manager.
Step 2: Open Task Manager and search for more details.
Stage 3: Right click on Windows Explorer and end the task.
Step 4: Click on File at the top and select Run a new task.
Step 5: Medicine explorer.exe and press the OK button.
File Explorer will restart quickly and should fix the app not opening in Windows 10 issue for you.
3. Manually Restart File Explorer Using Command Prompt
This is relatively unknown to the majority, but you can restart the File Explorer application with Command Prompt commands. If the Task Manager trick is not working for you, try using Command Prompt to restart File Explorer in Windows 10.
Stage 1: Press the Windows Key and type cmd to open the Command Prompt application.
Step 2: Medicine Taskkill /f /im explorer.exe In the Command Prompt window and press Enter.
Stage 3: This command will kill the explorer.exe process. You will see a blank screen behind the Command Prompt window.
Step 4: To restart the explorer.exe process, type explorer.exe in windows and press Enter.
The command restarts the File Explorer application in Windows 10.
4. Change Computer Screen Layout
This is quite unusual but an effective solution to fix File Explorer not opening in Windows 10. In Windows 10, using a non-recommended screen layout and resolution may break File Explorer functions. Follow the steps below to make the relevant changes.
Stage 1: Open the Settings app on the Windows 10 machine. You can also use the Windows + I key to access the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to System > Display.
Stage 3: Scroll down to scale and layout.
Step 4: Change the Screen Resolution to the recommended settings.
Step 5: Change the scaling option to recommended by Windows.
If your computer’s screen scaling is already set to 100%, try changing it to 125% and back to 100%.
5. Clear File Explorer History
File Explorer, recently accessed files, folders, searches, address bar entries, etc. Keeps a log of all previous events, such as Over time, this data piles up and you end up with a slow or unresponsive File Explorer on your Windows. machine.
Stage 1: Press the Windows key and search for File Explorer.
Step 2: Search for File Explorer Option and hit Enter.
Stage 3: Under the General menu, select Clean.
Step 4: Click Apply and press OK.
Restart your computer and start using File Explorer again.
6. Update PC’s Video Driver
According to Microsoft, if your PC’s video drivers are outdated or corrupt, the File Explorer functionality on the machine will be broken. Update the video drivers to the latest version using the Device Manager application.
Stage 1: Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Display adapters and right click on video drivers.
Stage 3: Select Update drivers and the operating system will look to install the latest video drivers from the web.
7. Scanning the Computer Using Windows Security
If your computer is infected with corrupt files or malware, it’s time to clean them using the default Windows Security application.
Press the Windows key and look for the Windows Security app. Go to virus & threat protection and run a quick scan of the computer. Find and remove harmful files and try to access File Explorer.
8. Update Windows 10 Operating System
File Explorer not opening or responding in Windows 10 may be due to the last buggy build released by Microsoft. After all, the software giant isn’t having the best time with quality Windows 10 updates. Open the Settings app and update Windows to the latest version available.
Get Started Using File Explorer Again
File Explorer is essential for organizing and managing files and applications on your computer. Follow the steps above and fix File Explorer not opening a problem in Windows 10. While you’re at it, let us know which trick worked for you in the comments below.
Next: You can easily update Windows 10 offline. Read the post below to learn how to update Windows 10 offline.
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