What Is File Explorer?
Originally known as Windows Explorer, File Explorer is the built-in file manager for computers running the Windows operating System. This offers It provides the user access to the computer's file system using a graphical user interface.
File Explorer is also responsible for organizing the items on your screen, such as Desktop and Taskbar icons. Running Windows is impossible without File Explorer functioning properly. Aside from not being able to open your files, some commands and processes won't also work with a faulty File Explorer.
What Causes File Explorer Errors?
File Explorer basically runs on its own, but several factors can cause it to malfunction. For example, when there are too many processes running in the background or several apps are competing for the computer's resources, File Explorer might have trouble keeping up with all the things that are going on.
Third-party applications that conflict with Windows processes might also cause File Explorer to hang or crash. Outdated or corrupted device drivers can also cause problems for your File Explorer.
Corrupted or missing system files, either due to accidental deletion or malware, can also trigger some issues with File Explorer.
Common File Explorer Errors
Unlike other Windows errors, File Explorer bugs are not categorized by error codes. In most cases, there are no systems or warning signs that there is something wrong going on and File Explorer just stops responding or crashes suddenly. This makes it hard for users to determine what went wrong and fix it. So if you’re having trouble with File Explorer, check out our list for more information.
1. File Explorer Won't Open or Start
If you keep on clicking the folder icon but no activity is observed, then File Explorer might have loading issues. This could happen when there are pending updates you haven't installed yet or they are missing/corrupted system files on your computer.
An alternative way of opening File Explorer is by hitting the Windows key + E on your keyboard. If that shortcut does not also work, you need to run SFC tool to repair corrupted files, update Windows, and run Automatic Repair.
2. File Explorer Crashes
There are times when File Explorer suddenly closes or crashes when opening a folder in Windows 10. When this happens, the Taskbar either goes black or disappears at the bottom of the screen, with only the Start button showing. Sometimes the crashes are preceded by noticeable sluggishness or frequent hangs, but there are also instances when the crash occurs with no apparent sign.
If the crash happens when opening a specific folder or drive, then that folder/drive might be corrupted. But if it applies to other folders, then you need to completely close File Explorer before running netsh and winsock reset via Command Prompt.
3. Windows Explorer Using High CPU
If your computer is running slower than usual and you noticed that Windows Explorer is taking up most of your CPU resource, you might have too many processes running or there is malware running rampant on your PC.
To fix this, check out this guide with step-by-step instructions on how to deal with high CPU usage of Windows Explorer:
https://outbyte.com/blog/fix-windows-explorer-using-high-cpu/
4. File Explorer Hangs
This is a common scenario among Windows 10 users. It usually starts off with a File Explorer that loads very slowly, it seems like opening a folder and loading its contents takes several minutes. Then, it stops responding altogether after some time.
Corrupted data and system issues are some of the usual culprits behind a freezing File Explorer. Running a scan using the System File Checker should quickly fix any corruption that's causing File Explorer to hang. You should also try to minimize the number of File Explorer windows open to prevent issues like this.
5. File Explorer is So Slow
If your folders don't open immediately when you click them, File Explorer might be trying to load a lot of things, which is causing the delay. This happens when you have too much stuff under Quick Access or you have enabled Cortana on your PC.
Disabling Cortana by editing the registry should help speed up File Explorer. If you have a lot of files pinned under the Quick Access list, unpin some of these files and folders so File Explorer will open immediately after one click. Optimizing your folders and resetting the File Explorer view to default should also help.
Wrapping Up
Most File Explorer issues can be dealt with by performing computer housekeeping, such as repairing corrupted files, cleaning up your folders, and updating your computer.
