Summary

  • To fix many File Explorer issuesopen to Task Manager > Processesright-click Windows Explorerand choose "Restart."
  • You can open File Explorer Options window and click "Clear" to clear the utility's cache to resolve many problems.
  • Other solutions include launching folder windows in a separate processscanning the PC for viruses and malwareupdating Windowsand more.

File Explorer can sometimes act weirdcrashor become unresponsive. If you’re experiencing issues with ExplorerI have a few ways to help you fix any issues you might be experiencing.

Restart the File Explorer Process

When File Explorer freezes up or malfunctionsfirstforce the process to end and then restart. This gives it a fresh startwhich will fix a bunch of minor problems.

To do thatlaunch Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. From the left sidebarselect "Processes." On the right panefind the process that says Windows Explorerright-click itand choose "Restart."

"Processes" and "Restart" highlighted for Windows Explorer.

File Explorer will close and re-open.

Clear File Explorer Cache

File Explorer caches various items to make your experience smoother and faster. Sometimesthis cache becomes corruptedcausing various nondescript problems. In this caseclearing the saved cache will probably fix the issue.

You don’t lose any of your files and folders when you clear the cache. File Explorer rebuilds the cache as you use the utility.

Launch Windows Search (press Windows+S)type File Explorer Optionsand choose the item with that name. In the File Explorer Options windowopen the "General" tab if you aren’t already there. In the Privacy sectionclick the "Clear" button.

"General," "Clear," and "OK" highlighted in File Explorer Options.

You won't get a notification but know that the cache is cleared. Close the window by clicking "OK." Thenlaunch File Explorer as usualand it should work as expected.

Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process

You can toggle on an option so that File Explorer launches each folder window in a separate process. This wayif a specific window has an issuethat issue won’t affect other open windows.

To do thatopen Windows Searchtype File Explorer Optionsand select the item with that name. On the File Explorer Options windowaccess the "View" tab. In the Advanced Settings sectionturn on the "Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process" option. Thenselect "Apply" followed by "OK."

Enabling the option to launch folder windows in separate processes.

Open File Explorer and the issue should be fixed.

Run a Virus Scan

It’s possible File Explorer is acting weird because your PC is infected with a virus or malware. In this caserun a full virus scan to remove any threats from your computer.

You can use an antivirus of your choice or the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus to run a scan. To use the latteropen Windows Searchtype Windows Securityand launch the app. From the left sidebarselect "Virus & Threat Protection." On the right panechoose "Scan Options."

"Virus & Threat Protections" and "Scan Options" highlighted.

On the following pageselect "Full Scan" and choose "Scan Now."

You can choose the Quick Scan optionbut that scan will not be as thorough as the Full Scan option.

"Full Scan" and "Scan Now" highlighted in Windows Security.

Wait for Windows Security to fully and thoroughly scan your PC and remove any threats. This can take several minutesor longerdepending on how much storage your PC has. Once the scan is completerestart your Windows 11 PC.

Update Windows

One reason File Explorer may be having issues is a software bug—they're not super commonbut it has happened. Windows system updates often resolve such problemsso update your PC to fix such issues.

To do thatopen Settings by pressing Windows+ithenfrom the left sidebarselect "Windows Update." On the right paneat the topclick "Check for Updates."

"Windows Update" and "Check for Updates" highlighted in Settings.

Wait for Windows to find the latest updates. Download and install the available updatesthen reboot your PC.

Use a Different User Account

It’s possible the current user account has a problemcausing issues with File Explorer. In this caseswitch to a different account on your PC and see if the problem persists. If you don’t already have a different accountit’s easy to create local user accounts on Windows 11.

Once you have an additional account set uplog out of your current account. Do that by opening the Start Menuclicking your account nameand selecting "Sign Out" in the top-right corner.

Before logging out of your accountmake sure to close any open apps and save any unsaved workor you risk losing your data.

"Sign Out" highlighted in the user panel of the Start Menu.

Choose the account to log in to and sign in to the account. Thenlaunch File Explorer and see how it works. If you don’t notice any issuesyour previous account likely had issues. In this caseyou can try fixing problems with your accountor transfer all your files to a new account.

Use Windows' Clean Boot Mode

Windows 11 offers a clean boot mode where you can disable all non-essential services and use your PC. This allows you to find out if a specific third-party item is causing the problem. Once you find such an itemyou can disable or remove it.

To enter clean boot modeopen Run by pressing Windows+R. Type the following in the open box and select "OK" or press Enter:

msconfig

In the System Configuration window that opensaccess the "Services" tab. At the bottom of the service listenable the "Hide All Microsoft Services" option. Thenchoose "Disable All." This turns off all the non-Microsoft services for when you enter clean boot mode.

"Services," "Hide All Microsoft Services," and "Disable All" highlighted in System Configuration.

Open the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." In Task Managerright-click each app whose Status column says "Enabled" and choose "Disable." This turns off all the startup apps. Thenquit Task Manager.

"Disable" highlighted for a startup app in Task Manager.

Back on the System Configuration windowclick "OK." Restart your computerand you’ll enter clean boot mode. If File Explorer works fine in this modeone or more of the services you disabled were the culprit. In this caseenable one service at a time to find the culpritthen remove the app that’s responsible for that service from your PC.

And that’s how you fix issues with the File Explorer utility on your Windows 11 PC. Resolving issues with this file manager is extremely importantas this tool is how you access all the files and folders on your machine. Good luck!