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How to Fix File Explorer Not Working in Windows

Ethan Martinez

File Explorer is a crucial component of the Windows operating system. It allows users to browse, access, and manage files on their computer. However, sometimes File Explorer stops working, becomes unresponsive, or crashes unexpectedly. When this happens, it can significantly disrupt productivity and cause frustration. Fortunately, most issues with File Explorer can be resolved using a series of troubleshooting methods.

1. Restart File Explorer

The first and simplest fix is to restart File Explorer through the Task Manager. This often resolves temporary glitches and restores functionality.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Find Windows Explorer in the list under the Processes tab.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.

This action will refresh the File Explorer interface and may resolve common problems like freezing or missing windows.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause File Explorer to malfunction. Windows includes a built-in tool—System File Checker—that can scan and repair these files.

  1. Open the Command Prompt as Administrator by typing cmd in the search box, then right-click and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Enter the command: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

The scan may take several minutes. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.

3. Clear File Explorer History

Sometimes, a corrupted File Explorer cache can cause glitchy behavior. Clearing the file history may help.

  1. Open the Control Panel and select File Explorer Options.
  2. In the General tab, click on Clear next to “Clear File Explorer history.”

This will remove cached data and may help restore proper functionality.

4. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and address security vulnerabilities. Keeping your system updated can prevent or fix File Explorer issues.

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install available patches.

After installing updates, restart your computer to apply changes and check if the problem persists.

5. Launch File Explorer in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help determine if background apps or third-party extensions are causing issues with File Explorer.

  1. Open Settings and navigate to System > Recovery.
  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  3. After reboot, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart.
  4. Once the system restarts again, press 4 to enter Safe Mode.

If File Explorer works fine in Safe Mode, a third-party application is likely the culprit. You can try uninstalling recently added apps to identify the problematic one.

6. Reset Windows Search

Since File Explorer is closely tied with Windows Search, a malfunction in the search indexing service can affect Explorer stability. Resetting it might help:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Paste the command: PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted and press Enter.
  3. Then run: Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Search -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}.

This can force a repair of Windows Search and restore integrated features within File Explorer.

7. Create a New User Profile

If none of the above steps work, there may be a problem with the user profile itself. Creating a new account can help determine if the issue is isolated:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new account.

Log into the new account and check if File Explorer works correctly.

Conclusion

File Explorer issues in Windows can stem from a variety of causes—from simple glitches to complex system errors. By using these step-by-step fixes, users can usually restore File Explorer to full functionality without needing to reinstall the entire OS. Always remember to back up important files before making major system changes.

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