How to Fix File Explorer Issues in Windows 11 and 10

File Explorer is the window you use to open, move and manage your files. When it freezes, crashes or won't open at all, work through the fixes below in order, starting with the quickest. Check File Explorer after each one so you know what made the difference.

To open File Explorer, select its folder icon on the taskbar or press Windows key + E. The steps work on Windows 11 and Windows 10; where the menus differ, the Windows 10 path is given too.

1. Restart Windows Explorer From Task Manager

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Restarting the Windows Explorer process is the quickest fix, and you don't have to restart the whole PC. Microsoft also uses this step when the desktop goes blank.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer in the list, right-click it and select Restart.
3. If Windows Explorer isn't listed, select File > Run new task, type explorer.exe and press Enter.

Expected result: File Explorer opens and responds when you press Windows key + E.

2. Restart Your PC

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A full restart clears out anything stuck in memory. Microsoft also points out that restarting installs pending updates, even if the update screen doesn't say a restart is needed.

1. Save your work and close your apps.
2. Select Start > Power > Restart.

Expected result: File Explorer opens normally after you sign back in.

3. Install Windows Updates

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Checking for updates is the first fix on Microsoft's own list for File Explorer problems.

1. On Windows 11, select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. On Windows 10, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
2. Install any updates that are available.
3. Restart if Windows asks you to.

Expected result: Windows Update says you're up to date.

4. Repair System Files With DISM and SFC

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Missing or damaged system files can stop File Explorer from opening or make it crash. Windows has two built-in tools that check and repair them. Run them in this order.

1. Search for command prompt on the taskbar, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Select Yes if asked.
2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. Keep the space before each "/". It may take a few minutes to start and finish.
3. When you see "The operation completed successfully", type sfc /scannow (with a space between "sfc" and "/") and press Enter.
4. Wait for "Verification 100% complete", then type exit and press Enter.
5. Restart your PC.

For more detail, see our guide to repairing system files with System File Checker.

Expected result: the scan reaches 100% and File Explorer opens normally after the restart.

5. Desktop Freezing Too? Reset and Update Your Graphics Driver

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If the whole screen freezes or goes blank along with File Explorer, Microsoft's guide to blank screens suggests resetting the graphics driver, and it's worth checking for a newer one.

1. Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. You'll hear a short beep or see the screen flicker if it worked.
2. Check for driver updates. On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. On Windows 10, go to Update & Security > Windows Update and select View optional updates if it appears.
3. Select any display driver updates, then Download and install, and restart.

Optional driver updates aren't installed automatically, so it's worth checking this list. If Windows Update has nothing, look on your PC or graphics card maker's website for a driver for your version of Windows.

Expected result: the screen responds again, and the driver update is listed in your update history.

6. Windows 10: Try Microsoft's Extra Fixes

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Microsoft lists three more fixes for File Explorer problems on Windows 10.

Check Virtual Memory Settings

1. Search for control panel on the taskbar and open it.
2. Select System and Security > System > Advanced system settings.
3. On the Advanced tab, under Performance, select Settings, then the Advanced tab.
4. Make sure Adjust for best performance of is set to Programs.
5. Under Virtual memory, select Change and make sure Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is ticked.
6. Select OK, then Apply, and restart your PC.

Run Disk Cleanup

1. Search for disk cleanup on the taskbar and open it.
2. Choose your drive and select OK.
3. Tick the types of files to remove and select OK.

Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

1. Open Control Panel and set View by to Large icons or Small icons.
2. Select Troubleshooting > View all > System Maintenance.
3. Select Next, choose to try troubleshooting as an administrator, and review the results.

Expected result: File Explorer opens and stays responsive after the restart.

7. Run Startup Repair

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If File Explorer still won't open, Startup Repair can fix problems that stop Windows from loading properly.

1. On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery. On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
3. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
4. Choose your account and enter its password.

Your PC may restart during the repair.

Expected result: Windows starts normally and File Explorer opens.

Still Not Working? What to Try Next

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• Undo a recent change: if the problem started after you installed an app, driver or update, use a System Restore point to go back to before it. Your personal files aren't affected.
• Reset your PC: Microsoft's last-resort fix reinstalls Windows. You can choose to keep your personal files, but your apps and settings are removed.
• Tell Microsoft: if File Explorer is still unreliable, send feedback through the Feedback Hub app so Microsoft can investigate.