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File Explorer Not Responding on Windows 11? How to Fix It
File Explorer might not respond due to file system errors
6 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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Key notes
File Explorer is one of the most frequented apps of Windows, but sadly, it is not immune to bugs and issues. Several readers have reported that File Explorer is not responding on their Windows 11 PCs.
Sometimes, it fails to respond to the commands, and other times, the response is slow. If you are facing a similar issue, we have got you covered.
Why is File Explorer not responding on Windows 11?
Some of the most probable reasons behind the File Explorer not responding issue are as follows:
In this guide, we have compiled a list of efficient workarounds to fix the File Explorer not responding issue on Windows 11.
What can I do if File Explorer is not responding on Windows 11?
Before implementing the complex troubleshooting solutions, make sure to perform the following actions:
If these simple fixes could not resolve the problem, implement the solutions below.
1. Restart File Explorer
Restarting File Explorer using any of the two ways discussed above will eliminate the underlying technical glitch that is causing File Explorer not responding issue on Windows 11.
2. Run SFC and DISM scans
The SFC scan, along with DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), scans your PC to find the corrupt and missing system images and restore them with the original version, resolving the irresponsive File Explorer app. And this also helps whenFile Explorer is taking focus.
Although the SFC and DISM scans are a safe solution, some users prefer to usethird-party softwareto automatically repair all corrupt or missing files by finding new parts as replacements.
3. Clear the File Explorer cache
Cache files pile up in File Explorer and if not cleared for a long time, slow down the app and can also be why File Explorer is not responding on Windows 11.
6. Uninstall the display driver
After the display driver is uninstalled from your computer, restart your PC to install the standard display driver available for your device. If the display drivers get corrupt, they can cause the File Explorer to malfunction and stop responding to commands.
7. Run the System Maintenance tool
The System Maintenance tool built into Windows 11 diagnoses underlying issues and optimizes the performance of the OS and Windows apps, such as Windows Explorer.
8. Clean boot your PC
Now try opening File Explorer on your Windows PC. If you are successful, it means some third-party apps are interfering with the File Explorer functionality. You can refer to this guide to uninstall apps from Windows.
That’s pretty much it! You can try the solutions listed here if File Explorer is not responding on Windows 11, affecting your workflow. In caseFile Explorer crashesrandomly on Windows, refer to the proven solutions provided in this guide.
If you have any questions or want to give suggestions, don’t hesitate to head to the comments section below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,Windows 11 Fix
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
