Windows 10: File Explorer and other programs are slow or do not respond

This has been happening more and more frequently. When I wake the PC at the start of a new day, or even after an hour or two, file explorer is incredibly slow to respond, if it responds at all.

Moving or deleting files, or even emptying the recycle bin never fully completes. It just sits at 99%.

When I create a new folder it does not show the folder, or new name unless I hit F5.

Programs like Lightroom or even Chrome are sometimes unable to even open.

Shutting down, or even selecting the restart option either never work or take up to 20 minutes to begin.

Not even sure where to begin diagnosing this issue.

:)

 

File Explorer Not Responding in Windows 10

Hi,

Before we proceed, I would like you to provide the information stated below

• What troubleshooting steps have you tried to fix the issue?
• Have you tried clearing your temp files form the system?
• Do you have enough free space in your C: drive?

For now, I suggest that you run the methods below and check if it helps.

Method 1:

When explorer run slow, open Task Manager and check if there are any services or startup that might be has high memory or CPU usage.

Method 2:

Run maintenance task checks issues that might slow down your computer's performance, such as how many users are currently logged on to the computer and whether multiple programs are running at the same time.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Press Windows + X on the keyboard.
  
• 
  Select Control Panel.
  
• 
  Select Troubleshooting.
  
• 
  Click on Run maintenance task under
  System and Security.
  

Hope this helps

 

Windows 10 file explorer not responding

following ALL of the above steps did nothing. explorer.exe still broken.

additional steps taken:

1x system refresh, explorer still dead

1x clean boot, explorer still dead

3x sfc /scannow, rebooted in between, explorer still dead

1x restore point, all programs uninstalled, explorer worked for 4 hours, then died.

1x reset, explorer still never opened

1x reverted back to 8.1, explorer woked, autoupdated to 10, explorer died

1x COMPLETE WIPE, reinstalled 8.1, autoupdated to 10, explorer died.

wiping again. reeinstalling 8.1. turning off updates for good.

amazing this CRITICAL issue exists at all.

 

File explorer not responding

Hi Sue,

After an update, your PC can sometimes cause software conflicts. We would like to know more about the File Explorer not responding. Please provide answers to the questions:

• Can you please tell us if this update was a regular security update or the Fall Creators update?
• When you saw a dialog box, did you see a particular error message? If yes please send a screenshot.
  
• Did you perform any troubleshooting steps to resolve the concern?

We'll wait for you response to our queries.