Windows 10 is great, but sometimes there are issues that prevent you from accessing your files in File Explorer. This can be a real pain if it happens to you on the day of an important presentation or job interview. Luckily, this guide will teach you how to fix all common problems with File explorer in Windows 10 and access your files again!
The “how to reset file explorer windows 10” is a guide that will help you fix the File Explorer problems in Windows 10.
Ivan Jenic’s contribution
Expert in Troubleshooting
Ivan has dived deep into knowing this operating system, with a specialize in drivers and driver problems, thanks to his passion for all things Windows and his natural curiosity. When he isn’t tackling, he is… Continue reading
This page was last updated on November 19, 2021.
Publish date: March 2020
- The File Explorer is a helpful program that allows you to browse and manage files and directories on a Windows computer.
- If the file management program chooses to stop working one day, for example, by refusing to open, load, or crash, your productivity will undoubtedly be disrupted. Check out the options listed below to rapidly reinstall the file manager.
- Looking for more information on the subject? Get all of the necessary fixes in one spot by going directly to the File Explorer page.
- Dig into our Windows 10 problems center whenever you’re ready, and maintain your Windows PC in top shape at all times.
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Many customers have already made the jump to Windows 10, however it seems that some of those who have made the switch are having problems.
Some Windows 10 users are experiencing file explorer issues, but there are a few remedies you may try.
How can I resolve File Explorer issues in Windows 10?
File Explorer difficulties may be aggravating, therefore we’ll go through the following topics in this article:
- Windows 10 File Explorer not responding, operating, opening, loading, or appearing – There are a variety of issues that may arise with File Explorer, and we’ll teach you how to repair the majority of them in this post.
- File Explorer in Windows 10 hangs – File Explorer has been known to hang on many users’ computers. This may be a frustrating situation, but one of our solutions may be able to help you fix it.
- File Explorer in Windows 10 won’t open and keeps shutting – Users have reported that they are unable to run File Explorer on their computers. File Explorer, they claim, keeps shutting and won’t remain open at all.
- File Explorer crashes and slows down in Windows 10 – Many customers have observed File Explorer crashes and slowdowns. File Explorer crashes and File Explorer slowdowns have previously been addressed, so be sure to read those articles for additional information.
- Windows 10 freezes File Explorer – File Explorer has been known to freeze on several users’ computers. This problem was already addressed in our File Explorer Freezes article, so be sure to have a look there for more information.
When a user right-clicks anything in Windows Explorer, it crashes or hangs, according to users.
As you can see, this is a major issue that may severely hinder your user experience, therefore here are a few options to consider.
1. Run the netsh and winsock reset commands.
- As an administrator, open Command Prompt. By hitting Windows key + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu, you may do so. You can also put cmd into the Search box and then right-click the Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt, type netsh and hit Enter.
- Then, in Command Prompt, enter winsock reset and press Enter to execute it.
- You’ll be told when the procedure is finished, and then all you have to do is restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
2. Remove the KB3081449 and KB3081448 updates from your computer.
Update KB3081449 was found to be the source of the problem by many people, therefore let’s see how to remove it.
- Navigate to the Update & Security section of Settings.
- Then choose View installed update history > Uninstall Updates from the drop-down menu.
- Locate and remove update KB3081449. If this doesn’t work, look for and remove update KB3081448.
3. Hide files and directories that are hidden.
If you’re encountering issues with File Explorer, such as crashes, you may be able to resolve the problem by simply hiding hidden files and folders. Some files are hidden by default, but you may change your settings to expose them.
If hidden folders are exposed, File Explorer may suffer problems, therefore reverse these settings by performing the following:
- Enter file explorer settings by pressing Windows Key + S. From the list of options, choose File Explorer Options.
- Go to the View tab in the File Explorer Options window and choose Don’t reveal hidden files, folders, or drives. To save your changes, click Apply and OK.
The issue with File Explorer should be rectified after making these adjustments. This method has been reported to work for many people, so give it a go.
4. Make folder windows launch in a different process.
Another approach for resolving File Explorer issues on Windows 10 is to activate the option to launch folder windows in a separate process. This is really straightforward, and you may do it by following these steps:
- As we shown in the last solution, open File Explorer Options.
- Go to the View tab and uncheck the box that says Launch folder windows in a separate process. To save your changes, click Apply and OK.
This method seems to have worked for many others, so we highly advise you to give it a go.
5. Turn off Quick Access and File Preview.
If you’re encountering difficulties with File Explorer, you may be able to solve them by adjusting a few options. Users claim that all you have to do is deactivate the Quick Access and File Preview functionalities.
This is rather easy, and all you have to do is follow these steps:
- Open the File Explorer Preferences.
- Set Open File Explorer to This PC in the General tab. Uncheck the boxes for Show recently used files and Show commonly accessed folders in Quick access. You may delete the history by clicking the Clear button if you like, but it’s not required.
- Uncheck Show preview handlers in preview pane on the View tab now. To save your changes, click Apply and OK.
- Finally, ensure sure the preview window is turned off. You may turn it off by typing Alt + P on your keyboard once File Explorer is launched.
Check whether the File Explorer issues persist after adjusting these settings.
6. Carry out a thorough boot cleaning.
Certain starting software might sometimes cause File Explorer issues by interfering with your PC. A clean boot, on the other hand, will quickly reveal the malfunctioning program.
To do so, go through the following steps:
- To launch the Run dialog, press Windows Key + R. Now type msconfig into the search box and press Enter or OK.
- Select Hide all Microsoft services from the Services menu and click the Disable all button.
- Select Open Task Manager from the Startup tab.
- Now you’ll see a list of startup apps. Disable the first element on the list by right-clicking it and selecting Disable from the menu. This step should be repeated for each item in the list.
- Return to the System Configuration window once you’ve disabled all startup apps. To save your changes, click Apply and OK.
- When your PC is prompted to restart, choose the option to restart it now.
Check whether the issue with File Explorer persists after your PC has restarted. If not, the problem was caused by one of your deactivated apps or services.
Repeat the steps above to locate the issue application by enabling apps and services one at a time or in groups.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to save your changes and restart your computer to see them take effect. Check to see whether the problem persists after your PC has restarted. Continue to enable apps and services until you locate the issue app.
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Once you’ve identified the troublesome program, you may deactivate, remove, or update it to see whether the problem is resolved.
Many consumers have found that stopping starting programs solved their issue, so give it a go.
Otherwise, you have the option of adopting several file management applications, which will undoubtedly enhance your productivity. As a result, take use of useful features and choose the finest file management software.
7. Restart the computer and re-establish the file associations.
If you’re having issues with File Explorer, such as freezing, it’s possible that the issue is connected to your file associations.
However, you may simply resolve this issue by restoring default file associations. Follow these steps to do so:
- Open the Settings app on your phone. By hitting Windows Key + I, you may do so rapidly.
- Navigate to the Apps area of the Settings app after it has opened.
- Select Default applications from the left-hand menu. Scroll down to Reset to the Microsoft recommended settings in the right pane and click the Reset button.
The issue with sluggish File Explorer should be fixed after resetting file associations to default.
8. Uninstall IDT Audio
According to users, IDT Audio is to blame for a slew of File Explorer issues, and the only way to repair them is to uninstall the program. It’s recommended that you delete any files and registry entries linked with it after you’ve removed it.
Because removing IDT Audio by hand is too difficult, uninstaller software may be a better option.
Many wonderful uninstaller programs are available, however many people have claimed that IObit Uninstaller (free download) successfully uninstalled this application and all of its files, so feel free to download and test it.
It’s a fantastic piece of software from IObit that will help you delete all of an app’s or program’s leftovers so they don’t interfere with your system’s functionality. This is particularly beneficial if your software makes use of numerous folders and registry entries.
The issue should be totally addressed after you uninstall IDT audio, and your File Explorer should start operating normally.
9. Modify the scaling options
Problems with File Explorer may occasionally be caused by your scaling settings. Users claimed that their File Explorer was not responding, but with this easy approach, they were able to resolve the problem.
Keep in mind that this technique only works if you choose a scaling factor of more than 100%. To modify the scale, take these steps:
- Go to the System section of the Settings app.
- Set Increase the font size of text applications and other objects to 100%.
- Check to see whether File Explorer is functional. If this is the case, resize it to a lower size than normal.
- Return the scale to its initial setting.
After that, the issue should be rectified, and you should be able to use File Explorer normally again. Remember that this isn’t a permanent fix, so you’ll have to do it again if the issue returns.
10. Double-check that your computer is set up for two displays.
If your PC is set up for two displays, File Explorer may disappear, according to users. File Explorer may apparently open on a second monitor that isn’t connected right now, thus it may seem like File Explorer isn’t operating for you.
You may easily remedy this by adjusting your computer setup and configuring your computer to only function with a single monitor.
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As you can see, file explorer issues may severely restrict your Windows 10 experience; nonetheless, we hope that these remedies were useful.
If you have any comments, questions, or recommendations, please use the box below to share them.
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The “file explorer not responding windows 10 2021” is a problem that can occur in Windows 10. This article will show you how to fix the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix File Explorer problems?
A: I have no idea what youre talking about.
Whats wrong with my File Explorer?
A: If the File Explorer is freezing and not loading files then you may need to reinstall your operating system.
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