File Explorer Not Responding in Windows 10? 9 Fixes to Try

When File Explorer stops responding in Windows 10, first restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager. If it freezes only while opening one folder or location, test a different folder before changing system settings. Work through these fixes in order and stop when Explorer is stable.

The interface images below are illustrations; controls can look slightly different across Windows 10 builds. Save open work before restarting Windows or running recovery tools.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If the compact view appears, select More details. On the Processes tab, select Windows Explorer, then Restart. The taskbar and desktop may briefly disappear while Windows reloads the shell. Reopen File Explorer with Win + E.

If Windows Explorer is not listed, select File > Run new task in Task Manager, enter explorer.exe, and select OK.

2. Check whether one folder or drive is hanging

Press Win + R, enter C:\, and press Enter. If C: opens but one folder, USB drive, or mapped network location hangs, check that location’s connection and try another local folder. Low free space can also slow Windows; use Disk Cleanup and review categories before removing files. Microsoft includes restarting the PC and Disk Cleanup among its File Explorer troubleshooting suggestions.

3. Clear File Explorer history and open This PC

Press Win + R, enter control folders, and press Enter. On the General tab, set Open File Explorer to to This PC, then select Clear under Privacy. Select Apply and test Explorer. This clears recent-location history, not your files.

4. Reset folder view options

Open File Explorer Options with control folders. On View, select Reset Folders under Folder views, then select Restore Defaults under Advanced settings and choose Apply. This resets display choices; it does not erase files.

5. Restart Windows and check available updates

Restart the PC. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install what Windows offers for your device. Restart if prompted.

Standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so free updates are no longer generally provided. Eligible devices enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program may still receive security updates. Check Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support notice for current options.

6. Repair Windows system files

If Explorer freezes across different folders, run Microsoft’s built-in DISM and System File Checker tools. Search Start for Command Prompt, right-click it, choose Run as administrator, and approve the prompt. Run these commands one at a time, waiting for each to finish:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Run DISM first, then SFC. The scan can take several minutes. Restart Windows afterward and test Explorer. See Microsoft’s System File Checker instructions.

7. Run a malware scan if there are other warning signs

A slow folder by itself does not prove the PC is infected. If the problem comes with unexpected pop-ups, security alerts, or unfamiliar software, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and choose Quick scan. Follow Windows Security’s recommendations if it finds a threat, then test Explorer again. See Microsoft’s Virus & threat protection guide.

8. Use a clean boot to find software conflicts

Press Win + R, enter msconfig, and press Enter. On Services, check Hide all Microsoft services before selecting Disable all. On Startup, select Open Task Manager and disable enabled startup apps. Restart and test Explorer.

If the freeze stops, re-enable items in small groups and restart between tests to locate the conflict. Restore normal startup settings afterward; do not disable Microsoft services. Follow Microsoft’s clean boot instructions for the full procedure.

9. Try System Restore if the issue began after a change

If the freeze began after installing an app, driver, or update, press Win + R, enter rstrui.exe, and press Enter. Choose a restore point from before the problem, select Scan for affected programs, and review the results before continuing. System Restore can roll back apps, drivers, updates, and system settings installed after that point. Back up irreplaceable files first. See Microsoft’s System Restore guide.

If File Explorer still is not responding

Note whether every folder freezes or only one path, and keep any error message. If the problem persists after system-file repair and a clean boot, use Microsoft’s File Explorer troubleshooting guide or send details through Feedback Hub. Avoid resetting Windows until you have a verified backup. Since Windows 10 is out of standard support, plan to move the PC to a supported operating system when practical.