Windows Explorer is an in-built file manager application that was first introduced in Windows 95 by Microsoft. It was created to make the navigation of files or folders a cinch task. Its graphical user interface lets users manage the drive, folders, and files effortlessly.
File Explorer is responsible for managing the various task of the operating system such as the taskbar, desktop, other components. For safe computing, File explorer must work smoothly, however, many users encounter file explorer not responding issue, which is a rare thing but when it occurs troubles the whole system. Hence, here we have compiled the best ways to solve Windows 10 file explorer not working issue.
Restart the File Explorer Using Task Manager
The easiest way to shot file explorer not responding to Windows 10 issue, is to restart the file explorer using the task manager. You can perform this task by following the underneath steps;
- First, right-click on the Taskbar and pick the Task Manager. There is another way to open the taskbar that is by pressing Shift + Ctrl + Esc.
- Now, move your mouse to the bottom of the display and right-click on the taskbar
- When the taskbar opens, there will be several applications running under the processes tab.
- Now click on the Windows Explorer and press the Restart option. You can also right-click on the Windows Explorer and pick the Restart option from the list
- After that desktop icons and the Taskbar will be blank for a moment.
- But, it might take more time depending upon your system RAM
Reboot the File Explorer.exe via Command Prompt Manually
Many users don’t know that file explorer can be rebooted via the command prompt, if you are not able to launch the file explorer to fix the file explorer not responding issue, follow the underneath steps carefully.
- First, type cmd in the Windows 10 Cortana box and hit the best result to explore the Command Prompt window.
- Next, Input taskkill /f /im explorer.exe in the Command Prompt window and hit the Enter. This command will end all the explorer.exe process, you’ll see a blank screen behind the Command Prompt window.
- To start the explorer.exe process one more time, enter the start explorer.exe in the windows and hit the Enter button.
Clean the File Explorer History
Cleaning the file explorer history is a proven method to fix the file explorer not responding issue. Hence, if the above method failed to resolve the issue try this method by following the underneath steps.
- Type the Control in the Windows 10 Cortana search box. Now find the Control Panel from the result.
- Next click on the File Explorer Options from the menu
- Next, click on Clear and on OK to clear File Explorer history.
- Now, try to open the file explorer again.
Adjust the Display Settings
Many think that the display setting has nothing related to the file explorer Windows 10 not responding issues, but it plays a great role. If display settings aren’t configured properly such as text size, applications or other items will eventually crash the file explorer. Hence, it is suggested to adjust the display settings by following the below-given steps.
- Right-click on the Windows Start button and select setting. Now move to Windows setting, select System.
- Now from the Display panel, alter the size of your text to 100% or reset to the Recommended point.
- Now check if you can access File Explorer.
Upgrade the Windows 10
Older versions of Windows can lead to this issue; however, you need to check if you are using the latest version of Windows 10, it is highly suggested to use the updated version of Windows. A new version has a feature that can automatically resolve the issues even the file explorer is not responding. Also, you can get help in Windows 10 from the official website.
- Right-click on the Windows Start menu and select the Settings
- Once you move to Windows settings, pick the Update & security.
- Next, click Windows Update and press the Check for updates button to install the latest updates.
Conclusion
All of the above-given methods can resolve the file explorer not responding issue. If one fails you can try another one, you will defiantly get the solution and will be able to use the computer without error.
