Are you having issues the use of File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11 after upgrading to the latest operating system? A lot of users have complained about file explorer’s inability to function and it crashing or slowing down when trying to utilize it. In this article I will discuss the reasons that could be behind this technical issue. In addition, I have provided the troubleshooting steps to solve the issue File Explorer not working on Windows 11.
Most of the time, we have dozens of files and apps on our computer. File Explorer always comes in handy when we require fast access to all of our files. Windows 11 does come with the promise of running smoothly however there are a variety of reasons , such as malware attacks that can cause the File Explorer shut down. There are other causes too, which I’ve discussed below.
Fix File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11
There’s no universal solution for the File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11. We recommend using any of the solutions below until you find one that gives you success.
Start Windows Explorer
There is a chance that one of the background processes or services get affected and can affect the performance of the application. Shutting down the app completely and restarting it will give the app a clean environment to work in.
- Enter Ctrl+Shift+Esc as shortcut key combinations to launch Task Manager.
- Click on the tab for process, within this, choose Windows Explorer from the list.
- Then, press the restart button. Explorer will restart and the issue may be resolved.
After restarting, you should check to see if the system is in a state of freezing or crash. the issue isn’t solved?
Click on Details tab. Details tab.
Choose your explorer.exe file and press the End Task button
Give it a few seconds , and then launch Explorer. Examine if it’s possible to resolve this File Explorer crashing issue on your Windows 11 PC.
Scan for corrupt System Files
It is possible to use the command prompt to start an exhaustive scan for corrupted system files. In general, when updating an application, or installing a new application or software update, there are a chance of your applications running on the system becoming damaged.
This isn’t a regular occurrence however we cannot ignore this. It’s best to find these corrupted system files and then fix them.
- Start the Command Prompt by entering Cmd within the Windows search box.
- Then you can type the command: sfc / scannow and hit enter.
- It can take some time before the computer can be able to scan and identify these corrupt files. Be careful not to interfere when the process is running.
Once the files are identified and repaired, then you’ll be able utilize the File Explorer without any issues using Windows 11.
Modify to the File Explorer options
- Click Windows button + R. enter control.exe directories and then click OK.
- This will bring up to the File Explorer Options window, choose the General tab.
- The next step is to select you will find the Open File Explorer To: choose the drop-down menu, then choose The This PC option.
- Click on Apply Next, click OK.
Restart your computer
In the event that File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11, the best solution is to restart your computer. This will end all running processes and apps clearing active memory and giving your applications (including File Explorer) a new start. It also installs any scheduled updates that could include bug fixes to fix this kind of issue.
To accomplish this, click the Start button and choose Shut down or Sign Out > Restart.
Delete File Explorer Cache
If a lot of temporary files are accumulated, it not just can slow down the application, but can also hinder it from performing its regular functions. File Explorer is one of the apps where caches are accumulated in regular intervals. Let’s clear the cache in File Explorer using the steps listed below. This will could help to solve the issue.
- Use the Windows button + S to enter options for file explorer and then select the first option at the top.
- Under the General tab, click the Clear button in Privacy. This will erase all cache files.
- After that, check and confirm whether you are sure that the File Explorer crashing issue on your Windows 11 PC has been corrected or not.
Look to see if there are Windows updates
The latest Windows updates might have a bug-fix for this issue. Let’s look whether and then install most recent Windows updates that automatically suggest and fix issues such as damaged settings that can cause Windows 11 File Explorer crash.
- Press the Windows keys + I for opening settings.
- Open Windows Update, then select to check for updates.
Utilize for the SFC Command
There is a chance that Windows system files have been corrupted, which can slow down your PC performance, and can cause Windows 11’s file browser to stop functioning or slowing down. Use this System File Checker (SFC) tool, which scans your computer for corrupted files. If you have found any sfc utilities, attempt to replace them with a functional version which is saved in a cached folder on your PC.
- Start command prompt as administrator,
- Enter command SFC scannow and then press the enter key
- This will scan for missing or corrupted system files, and then fix the corrupted files.
Once you have done that, restart your PC. After your PC operating Windows 11 boots up, verify whether you can tell if the File Explorer crashing issue has been addressed or it isn’t.
Perform System Maintenance from Control Panel
Use the System Maintenance Troubleshooter that scans for issues underlying the various systems and UWP applications and then brings the fix.
- Launch Control Panel from within the Start Menu.
- Change the view By size to large icons by clicking on the top right. Then move into the Troubleshooting section.
- Then, click on Run Maintenance task in System and Security.
- The tool can identify issues within all system applications which includes the Explorer.
- It will then show the fixes that go with it. Click on the desired fix and make it happen,
- After that, restart your PC and check to see whether you can tell if the File Explorer crashing issue on your Windows 11 PC has been resolved or not.
Pro Tip:
To stop Windows 11 file explorer from being unable to function properly, we suggest
- Make sure you regularly update your operating system.
- Clear temp files or use other third-party software that optimizes your system, such as Ccleaner.
- Remove third-party extensions and antivirus programs.
- Take items off The Quick Access menu
Conclusion:
If you find that the File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11, any of these fixes will (hopefully) help you get functioning in no time.
After File Explorer is working, you might want to enable File Explorer open to This PC instead of Quick Access. It is also possible to modify File Explorer options on Windows 11 to show hidden files, for example.
