Complete Easy Guide: Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding in Windows 10/11 [2025 Edition]

Introduction

There’s a very common error every user encounter at some point while using Windows 10/11: “Windows Explorer Not Responding.”

When this error occurs:

• File Explorer freezes
• Desktop icons and taskbar hang
• Sometimes the entire system slows down

This problem may seem minor, but if it keeps recurring, it becomes impossible to work on. In this blog, we will look at step-by-step solutions so that you can easily fix this issue.

Windows Explorer Not Responding—What’s the Problem?

Windows Explorer is a core Windows component that:

• Displays the desktop
• Manages files and folders
• Controls the taskbar and Start menu

When it stops responding, the entire Windows system feels like it hangs.

Common Causes of File Explorer Issues

Why does this error occur? Here are some common reasons:

1. Corrupted system files

System files in Windows are important files that help your entire operating system (OS) run and function smoothly. If these files become corrupt or missing, File Explorer often slows down, crashes frequently, or won’t open at all.

2.Outdated Windows updates or drivers

If Windows updates or system drivers are out of date, they can cause compatibility issues with File Explorer. This can cause Explorer to run slowly, freeze unexpectedly, or crash frequently.

3. File Explorer cache/history overload

File Explorer stores a history and cache of your recently opened files and searches. If this data becomes overloaded or corrupted, Explorer may slow down, lag, and sometimes even crash.

4. Malware infection

Malware or viruses can damage system files and background processes. If your system is infected with malware, File Explorer will crash frequently, files won’t open, and your PC will slow down overall.

5. Quick Access feature corrupt

File Explorer’s Quick Access feature often displays recent files and frequently used folders. If its data becomes corrupted, Explorer may freeze or crash repeatedly upon opening.

6. Too many startups’ programs

If too many programs auto-start as soon as Windows boots, the load on system resources (RAM and CPU) increases. This also affects File Explorer, causing it to slow down or repeatedly display “Not Responding.”

 Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding—Step-by-Step Solutions

Now let’s move on to the solutions. Each step is explained in detail in simple language.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager

Sometimes File Explorer stops working due to a temporary glitch. In such cases, restarting it is the easiest and fastest solution.

Steps: –

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager.
2. Search for Windows Explorer in the process list.
3. Right-click → select Restart.
4. The desktop will refresh, and Explorer will restart.

👉 This fixes the problem immediately in many cases.

Step 2: Clear File Explorer History

If File Explorer’s cache and history become overloaded or corrupted, Explorer may slow down or crash. Clearing this cache improves performance.

How to do it: –

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard. The Run box will open.
2. Type → “Control folders.”
3. Press Enter.
4. The Folder Options (or File Explorer Options) window will open.
5. Go to the General tab.
6. Click the Clear button in the Privacy section.
7. Press OK to close the window.

👉This will clear the old history and cache of File Explorer and give you a fresh start.

Step 3: Update Windows & Drivers

Outdated Windows updates or outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with File Explorer. Installing new updates and driver versions fixes bugs and keeps Explorer running smoothly.

🔹 Windows Update

1. Press Win + I on your keyboard → Settings will open.
2.  Go to the Update & Security (or Windows Update) option.
3.  Click Check for updates and install available updates.

🔹 Drivers Update

1. Right-click Start → select Device Manager.
2. Expand the device whose driver may be outdated (e.g., Display Adapter, Storage Controller, or Network Adapter).

👉 After the updates are complete, restart the system so that the changes are applied.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC)

If File Explorer frequently crashes or runs slowly, it may be due to corrupted system files. The SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools scan for these files and automatically repair them.

🔹 Run an SFC Scan

1. Go to the Start Menu and type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type the command “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
4. This process will scan and repair corrupt system files.

🔹 Use the DISM Tool (if SFC doesn’t work)

1. In the same Command Prompt (Admin), run the command “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”
2. This will repair the Windows image and help fix Explorer-related issues.

👉 After the scan is complete, restart the system and then check File Explorer.

Step 5: Check for Corrupted User Profile

Sometimes the problem isn’t with File Explorer but with your user profile. If the profile is corrupted, Explorer crashes repeatedly or doesn’t open files/folders properly.

🔹How to check?

1. Press Win + I → Go to Accounts.
2.  Select the “Family & other users” (or “Other users”) option.
3. Create a new local account here.
4. Log in with the new account and run File Explorer.

👉 If File Explorer works properly in the new account, it means your old user profile is corrupt.

🔹 How to fix it?

1.  Copy important files from the old profile to the new one.
2. Delete the old corrupt profile.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot will reveal whether third-party software is causing the problem.

Steps: –

1. Press Win + R → type msconfig → Enter.
2. In the “Services” tab, tick Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Select “Disable All.”
4. Restart the system.

Step 7: Disable Quick Access Feature

Sometimes Quick Access gets corrupted and causes Windows Explorer to stop responding. Disabling it may improve stability.

Steps: –

1. Open File Explorer Options (search from the Start menu).
2. Under the General tab, go to “Open File Explorer to.”
3. Change it from Quick Access → This PC.
4. Click Apply → OK.

Step 8: Scan for Malware & Viruses

Malware or viruses can damage system files and background processes, causing File Explorer to crash frequently or run slowly.

Regular scans can help you detect and remove these threats.

🔹 Scan with Windows Security (Defender)

1. Press Win + I → Go to Update & Security → Windows Security.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Run a Quick Scan.
4. For better results, you can also run a Full Scan or Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.

🔹 Third-Party Antivirus (Optional)

If you have antivirus software installed, such as Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Quick Heal, or Avast, run a full system scan with it.

👉 After the scan is complete, restart your system and then test File Explorer.

Preventive Tips (For the Future)

• ✅ Always keep Windows updated—new updates bring bug fixes and stability.
• ✅ Use an SSD for better performance—Explorer and Windows run faster on an SSD than on an HDD.
• ✅ Regularly clear Explorer history—Clear history to avoid cache overload.
• ✅ Keep antivirus/malware protection active – Protect the system from viruses and malware.
• ✅ Disable heavy startup apps—Too many auto-start apps slow down the system.
• ✅ Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense – Free up space by deleting temp files.
• ✅ Keep drivers updated—outdated drivers can cause Explorer to crash.
• ✅ Always shut down the PC properly—directly turning off the power can corrupt system files.
• ✅ Avoid unnecessary third-party tools—Some apps conflict with Explorer.
• ✅ Regularly perform system health checks (SFC/DISM scans)—so that corrupt files are repaired immediately.

❓ FAQs

Q1 What is the quick fix for Windows Explorer Not Responding?

Ans: – Restarting Windows Explorer from Task Manager is the fastest and easiest fix.

Q2 What if the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the error?

Ans: – In such a case, you should run the DISM tool, or you may need to repair Windows.

Q3. Can malware cause Explorer to crash?

Ans: – Yes, viruses and malware can directly affect File Explorer by corrupting system files.

Q4. Is it safe to disable Quick Access?

Ans: – Yes, this is an optional setting. Disabling it can make Explorer faster, but it doesn’t negatively impact data.

Q5. Why does Explorer crash frequently?

Ans: – Common reasons are corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or a corrupted Quick Access cache.

Q6. Is it necessary to create a new user profile?

Ans: – If the old user profile has become corrupted and Explorer issues persist, creating a new profile is the best solution.

Q7. Can low RAM also slow down File Explorer?

Ans: – Yes, if RAM is low and too many apps are running in the background, Explorer may display as slow or Not Responding.

Q8. Will clearing File Explorer history delete data?

Ans: – No, this will only delete the list of recent files and folders. Your original files will remain safe.

Q9. Can outdated graphics drivers also cause Explorer issues?

Ans: – Yes, outdated graphics drivers can cause crashes, especially when Explorer loads thumbnails or previews.

Conclusion

Windows Explorer Not Responding in Windows 10/11 is a common but frustrating problem. But if you follow the given step-by-step solutions (Explorer restart, history clear, Windows & driver update, SFC/DISM scan, malware scan, new user profile, etc.), the problem will often be easily solved. Microsoft Support

If you want details about system-file repair, Microsoft’s official SFC and DISM guidance is also helpful. Microsoft Support

👉 If you liked this guide then share it with your friends who are Windows users.

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