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Its simple graphical user interface in Windows OS made computing accessible for everyone.
However, if your Windows Explorer went silent, you wont be able to use your system smoothly.
Having trouble with File Explorer not responding?
Keep reading to discover perfect fixes.
Lets find the one that works for you.
Lets begin with simple fixes and move to elaborate ones as we progress.
Restart File Explorer
Most of the minor errors related to computing are settled with a quick restart.
Similarly, Lets take a stab at restart the File Explorer and see if it works.
Step 1:OpenTask Managerby typing task manager in the Windows search bar.
Step 2:Scroll for Windows Explorer or File Explorer and right-punch it.
Step 3:SelectEnd task.
Step 4:press theFile tabfound in the top left corner of theTask Manager.
Step 5:Choose Run new task that it’s possible for you to see in the above image.
Step 6:jot down explorer.exe and click ok to restart Windows Explorer.
Read on if this method didnt fix the issue with File Explorer.
At times, clearing this history should activate File Explorer.
Step 1:OpenFile Explore Options.
Step 2:Click clear and then ok.
This will dump the entire File Explorer history.
Step 1:Input cmd to the Windows search bar.
Step 2:Right-press thecommand promptand choose Run as administrator.
Step 3:Now launch the commandSfc /scannowin the Command Prompt.
This method scans for the corrupted files and replaces them with the cached copy stored.
However, the process will take a while to scan for the damaged files and repair them.
So, be patient.
Once the scan reaches 100%, any of the following messages should appear on the screen.
But if you bump into the following message, perform the system file checker insafe mode.
Step 2:OpenVirus and threatprotection and click onscan options.
Step 3:Choosefull scanfrom the available options and initiate the scan.
In this method, Windows security scans for potential malware threats and attempt to repair them.
However, corrupted thumbnails or poorly formatted files could cause file explorer not to respond.
To resolve this, we should try either deleting the thumbnailcacheor disabling thumbnails.
Step2:Check the thumbnails box and click ok
This will delete unnecessary cache in the thumbnails.
If this didnt work for you, try disabling thumbnails by following the below steps.
Steps to Disable Thumbnails
Step 1:Execute the commandsystempropertiesadvancedin the run box.
Step 2:Open options under the performance section.
Step 3:Uncheck the box Show thumbnails instead of icons and press enter.
Default Display options
Certain users report that customized display options results in File Explorer stopping responding.
take a stab at set the display configs back to default for this purpose.
The steps to do this include:
Step 1:Go to controls and choose system.
If you are still stuck with an older version of Windows, leverage the latest Windows updates right away!
Now, the available updates are directly displayed on the screen.
I know how frustrating when the file explorer stops responding.
However, the above list of solutions is the result of thorough research.
So, one of the above methods should resolve your issue with File Explorer.
You may also read how to solve the Windows Task Scheduler not running issue.
