File Explorer has long been an integral component of Windows, functioning as the go-to tool for navigating files, managing folders, and even accessing storage drives. Whether you would like to organize your files in the Apple pie order or transfer them seamlessly, it’s got you fully covered. That’s the reason why life on Windows seems to be in complete chaos when the Explorer starts malfunctioning, gets into the out-of-the-blue crashing loop, or freezes out over and over again.
Having experienced its tantrums and sorted them out on quite a few occasions, I know what sort of tricks bring it back in action – like the back of my palm. On this very note, I’m going to break down the 12 reliable ways to fix File Explorer not working on Windows 11 24H2. Keep reading to…
How to Fix File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11
So, what causes the File Explorer to misbehave? From the malicious system files to the faulty software update to the corrupted File Explorer cache, you need to keep in mind a number of culprits when dealing with this frustrating issue.
- Corrupt system files
- Faulty Windows updates
- Outdated display drivers
- Corrupted File Explorer cache
- Background app interference
- Insufficient system resources
- Misconfigured folder settings
The good thing is nabbing these above-outlined villains and eliminating them is not a big ask. And that’s precisely what we are going to target.
1. Restart File Explorer
It’s worth pointing out upfront that restarting the File Explorer process refreshes its functionality, which often works wonders in fixing the temporary glitches. Hence, we should begin this guide with this handy troubleshooter.
- To get it done, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager on your Windows 11 device.
- Now, find Windows Explorer in the Processes tab > right-click on it and select Restart. Then, find out if the File Explorer has come back on track.
2. Restart Your PC
A simple restart is blessed with the ability to clear system cache, reset background processes, and even flush out minor software glitches. So, we should take it on without any fail at all.
- To do so, click the Start menu > Power > choose Restart and wait for your PC to reboot.
3. Change File Explorer’s Default View
Is the File Explorer set to open in Quick Access on your PC? If yes, a corrupted recent file might be causing it to crash time and time again. In this situation, I would recommend you change it to This PC.
- Launch Control Panel on your PC and go to File Explorer Options.
- Under Open File Explorer to section, select This PC instead of Quick Access.
- To confirm the change, make sure to click Apply → OK.
4. End Windows Explorer Process and Restart It
If File Explorer is frozen, end all the processes and reboot it. Many a time, it works like a charm in bringing life back to the unresponsive app.
- Simply, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to fire up the Task Manager on your PC.
- Now, locate Windows Explorer using the Search bar at the top > right-click it, and choose End task.
- After that, click File → Run new task > type
explorer.exe> press Enter.
5. Clear File Explorer History
Be warned that corrupted or excessive history data can cause File Explorer to crash not only repeatedly but also become unresponsive randomly. So, be sure to wipe out the entire cluster of the File Explorer history.
- To get going, open Control Panel > File Explorer Options.
- Under the General tab, find the Privacy section.
- Then, you have to click Clear next to File Explorer history.
- After that, do not forget to click OK to apply changes and then restart your PC.
6. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently unleashes updates to fix bugs and improve system stability, which might prove to be the need of the hour for File Explorer on your device.
- Open Settings (Win + I) on your device > head to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Now, install any available Windows updates and restart your PC – subsequently.
7. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Keep a close tab on the malicious system files as they can cause Windows Explorer to malfunction. But fret not as this is where the SFC tool comes into the reckoning as it allows you to scan and repair missing or corrupted system files.
- To begin with, press Win + S > type cmd > select Run as administrator.
- After that, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow- Next, be sure to wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.
8. Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool
If SFC fails to get rid of the issue and restore the full functionality to the File Explorer, take advantage of the DISM tool. If this issue has cropped up due to the system image corruption, it will repair the image.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator on your device.
- Now, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- Next, make sure to wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.
9. Scan for Malware
Malware or viruses might also be doing their part in hurting the Windows processes, causing File Explorer to stop working.
- Open Windows Security (Win + S, type “Windows Security”).
- Dive straight into Virus & threat protection → Scan options.
- Select Full scan > Scan now > Do not forget to remove any detected threats and restart your PC.
10. Perform a Clean Boot
Can’t bring the File Explorer back on track yet? I’m afraid the conflicting third-party application or startup service might be making life difficult for File Explorer. A clean boot can let you diagnose the issue by isolating the culprits.
- On your PC, press Win + R to launch the Run dialog > type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Now, head into the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all.
- Next, open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable all enabled items.
- Next up, restart your PC and check if File Explorer works.
11. Create a New User Account
If the File Explorer issue is the after-effect of a corrupt user profile, there is a decent chance that creating a new account will let you sort out the problem.
- Open the Settings (Win + I) app on your Windows device.
- Head over to Accounts → Other users → Add account.
- Then, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Up next, create a new username and password and sign in to the new account.
- Once the sign-in is done, check if File Explorer works properly.
12. Perform a System Restore
Did the File Explorer stop working on your Windows 11 device after a recent update or change? If that’s the case, restoring your system to a previous working state will help you overcome the hurdle.
- Press Win + R > type
rstrui, and press Enter. - Then, click Next.
- Now, you have to select a restore point before the issue started.
- Up next, click Next → Finish to restore your system.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope your versatile and proficient File Explorer has returned to form and so has the seamless experience of managing files on Windows 11. By the way, which one of these tips has helped recover the Explorer for you?
