File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your File Explorer acting up in Windows 11? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users have encountered issues with File Explorer crashing, freezing, or simply not responding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your File Explorer back on track.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty File Explorer

Before diving into solutions, let’s identify the common signs that File Explorer is misbehaving:

  • Crashing: File Explorer closes unexpectedly.
  • Freezing: File Explorer becomes unresponsive.
  • Slow Performance: Opening folders or files takes a long time.
  • Blank Window: File Explorer opens, but the window is empty.
  • Error Messages: You receive error messages related to File Explorer.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are several methods to troubleshoot and resolve File Explorer issues in Windows 11, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced solutions.

1. Restart File Explorer

This is the quickest and often most effective solution. Restarting File Explorer closes the process and restarts it, which can resolve temporary glitches.

  • Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • Find Windows Explorer: Locate “Windows Explorer” in the Processes tab.
  • Restart: Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart”.

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix various software issues, including File Explorer problems. Restarting clears temporary files and resets system processes.

3. Clear File Explorer History

Corrupted or excessive File Explorer history can sometimes cause issues. Clearing the history can improve performance.

  • Open File Explorer Options: Open File Explorer, click the three dots (...) on the command bar, and select “Options”.
  • Clear History: In the General tab, click “Clear” next to “Clear File Explorer history”.
  • Apply: Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) scans for and repairs corrupted system files. This can address issues caused by damaged or missing files related to File Explorer.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator”.
  • Run SFC Scan: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for Completion: Allow the scan to complete. This may take some time. Follow any on-screen instructions.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve File Explorer issues.

  • Open Settings: Press Win + I.
  • Go to Windows Update: Click “Windows Update” in the left sidebar.
  • Check for Updates: Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

6. Disable Third-Party Extensions

Third-party extensions or shell extensions can sometimes conflict with File Explorer and cause problems. Disabling them can help identify the culprit.

  • Use ShellExView: Download ShellExView from a trusted source (e.g., NirSoft).
  • Disable Non-Microsoft Extensions: Run ShellExView, sort by “Company,” and disable any non-Microsoft extensions one by one, restarting File Explorer after each to see if the issue is resolved.

7. Check for Malware

Malware infections can cause various system issues, including File Explorer problems. Run a full system scan using your antivirus software.

  • Run Antivirus Scan: Open your antivirus software and initiate a full system scan.
  • Remove Threats: Follow the antivirus software’s instructions to remove any detected threats.

8. Reset Folder Options

Sometimes, incorrect folder options can cause File Explorer to malfunction. Resetting them to their default values can help.

  • Open File Explorer Options: Open File Explorer, click the three dots (...) on the command bar, and select “Options”.
  • Restore Defaults: Go to the “View” tab and click “Restore Defaults”.
  • Apply: Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

9. Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

The DISM tool can repair the Windows image and resolve underlying issues that may be affecting File Explorer.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator”.
  • Run DISM Commands: Execute the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Wait for Completion: Allow each command to complete. This may take some time.

10. Create a New User Account

If the issue is specific to your user profile, creating a new user account can help determine if the problem lies within your profile settings.

  • Open Settings: Press Win + I.
  • Go to Accounts: Click “Accounts” in the left sidebar.
  • Family & other users: Click “Family & other users”.
  • Add Account: Click “Add someone else to this PC”.
  • Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
  • Test File Explorer: Log in to the new user account and check if File Explorer works correctly.

11. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the File Explorer issue.

  • Open System Configuration: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Go to Services Tab: Check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all”.
  • Go to Startup Tab: Click “Open Task Manager” and disable all startup items.
  • Apply and Restart: Close Task Manager, click “Apply” and then “OK” in the System Configuration window, and restart your computer.
  • Test File Explorer: Check if File Explorer works correctly in the clean boot environment.

12. Reset Windows 11

If none of the above steps work, consider resetting Windows 11 to its factory settings. This is a more drastic measure, so back up your important data first.

  • Open Settings: Press Win + I.
  • Go to System: Click “System” in the left sidebar.
  • Recovery: Click “Recovery”.
  • Reset this PC: Click “Reset PC” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

File Explorer issues can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve them. Start with the simpler solutions like restarting File Explorer and clearing history, and gradually move to more advanced methods like running SFC and DISM scans. If all else fails, consider resetting Windows 11. Remember to back up your data before performing any major changes to your system.