Effective Solutions to Resolve the ‘File Explorer Not Responding’ Issue
How to Fix File Explorer Not Responding
Are you frustrated with your Windows File Explorer not responding? This is a common issue that many users face, and it can be quite annoying, especially when you’re in a hurry to access your files. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. In this article, we will guide you through some effective methods to fix the “File Explorer not responding” problem on your Windows PC.
1. Restart Your Computer
The simplest and most effective solution to many computer issues is to restart your system. Sometimes, the problem might be due to a temporary glitch or a background process that is causing File Explorer to hang. Restarting your computer can help clear out these issues and get your File Explorer back to normal.
2. Run the File Explorer Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix common problems, including File Explorer not responding. To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Go to Troubleshoot from the left pane.
4. Scroll down and click on Additional troubleshooters.
5. Click on Run the troubleshooter next to File Explorer.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
3. Check for Conflicting Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with File Explorer, causing it to not respond. If you have an antivirus program installed, try temporarily disabling it and check if the issue persists. If it does, you may need to update your antivirus software or contact the support team for further assistance.
4. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause File Explorer to hang. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters category and right-click on your graphics card.
3. Select Update driver.
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
5. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run the SFC, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any issues are found, SFC will attempt to repair them.
4. Restart your computer and check if File Explorer is responding.
6. Reset File Explorer
If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting File Explorer to its default settings. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select Programs and Features.
2. Click on Turn Windows features on or off.
3. Scroll down and expand File Explorer Options.
4. Uncheck the “Use the File Explorer ribbon” option.
5. Click OK and restart your computer.
These methods should help you fix the “File Explorer not responding” problem on your Windows PC. If the issue persists, it might be a more serious problem, and you may need to seek professional assistance.
