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6 Ways to Fix Windows Explorer if File Names Are Not Showing

Files may not show on File Explorer if Windows is outdated

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 20, 2024

updated onMarch 20, 2024

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Key notes

You may experience difficulties identifying the files in your Windows Files Explorer if the file names are not showing. It makes it hard to tell the content of a file. However, Windows Explorer file names not showing is recurrent issue users complain about on Windows computers.

Furthermore, you can encounter various problems with the Windows File Explorer as Windows 11 folder names disappear in File Explorer.

Likewise, file and folder names are not showing in File Explorer and Windows Explorer only shows icons.

However, Windows Explorer file names may not show for various reasons like outdated operating systems, file history issues, etc.

Fortunately, you can fix File Explorer issues by troubleshooting some settings on your computer.

Why is Windows File Explorer not showing file names?

Readhow to enable the dark theme in File Explorerfor a more enjoyable experience.

How do I fix Windows Explorer if it’s not displaying file names?

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer will clear any irregularities in the program and fix any errors prompted during launch.

2. Update your Windows OS

If there’s an update available, Windows will automatically search and install it. Hence, restart your computer to sync the update with your PC. It can fix Windows 11 if folder names disappear.

3. Use a repair tool

Sometimes, the safest way to repair damaged files on your PC is by using aspecialized program. This kind of software is easy to use and can run an automatic diagnosis of your device.

It has various built-in options that help you protect your computer and also improve its performance. It is a faster and more secure process than following manual steps.

4. Restart your PC

Restarting your PC can fix startup issues that may cause File Explorer issues on your computer.

5. Clean File Explorer history

Clearing the File Explorer’s history will clear corrupt cache files and the history of the modified folders. It can fix file names if they disappear in Windows 10.

6. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode

The computer will restart in safe mode. Rebooting the computer in safe mode will fix issues that may cause the system error affecting your programs.

What should I do if I can see folders but not files?

The answer in the case of folders with no files even when they aren’t empty is that you have hidden the files. It keeps the files on the folder out of sight but is present as part of the file properties like size and numbers. So, you may see the folder but not the files if they are hidden.

However, you can read our article abouthow to fix Windows Explorer if it keeps crashingon your computer.

Likewise, you can learnhow to take ownership of a folder or file Windows 10in a few easy steps.

Please leave a suggestion or question in the comments section if this guide has been helpful. We’d like to hear from you.

6 Ways to Fix Windows Explorer if File Names Are Not Showing#

Why is Windows File Explorer not showing file names?#

How do I fix Windows Explorer if it’s not displaying file names?#

1. Restart Windows Explorer#

2. Update your Windows OS#

3. Use a repair tool#

4. Restart your PC#

5. Clean File Explorer history#

6. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode#

What should I do if I can see folders but not files?#