What to Do When Windows Explorer Is Not Responding
Windows Explorer is a crucial component of the Windows operating system, serving as the default file manager for managing files, folders, and other storage devices. However, sometimes you may encounter a situation where Windows Explorer becomes unresponsive, which can be quite frustrating. In this article, we will discuss several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Windows Explorer not responding.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
The first and simplest step to try when Windows Explorer is not responding is to restart the application. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Go to the “Processes” tab.
3. Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
4. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “End Task.”
5. Click “Yes” to confirm the action.
6. Click “File” > “New Task (Run…)” in the Task Manager.
7. Type “explorer.exe” in the “Open” field and press Enter.
2. Restart Your Computer
If restarting Windows Explorer does not resolve the issue, try restarting your computer. This can help clear any temporary files or system glitches that may be causing the problem. Simply close all open applications, click on the Start button, and select “Restart” from the power options.
3. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and fixes corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
2. In the elevated command prompt or PowerShell window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any issues are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
4. Clean Boot Your Computer
A clean boot helps determine whether a third-party application or service is causing the problem with Windows Explorer. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + R, type “msconfig” in the Run dialog, and press Enter.
2. Go to the “Services” tab.
3. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box and click “Disable all.”
4. Go to the “Startup” tab.
5. Click “Open Task Manager.”
6. In Task Manager, disable all startup items by right-clicking on each one and selecting “Disable.”
7. Close Task Manager, click “OK” in System Configuration, and restart your computer.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Explorer
If none of the above steps work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Explorer. However, this is a more advanced solution and should be done with caution. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your important data.
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Programs and Features” from the menu.
2. Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of installed programs.
3. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Uninstall.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Once your computer restarts, Windows will automatically reinstall Windows Explorer.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Windows Explorer not responding. If the problem persists, it may be worth seeking assistance from a professional technician.
