Windows 10: File explorer freezing

I have two machines one with Windows 10 Home the other with 10Pro, both are on build 19041.45

They have different security software and different applications but share the same recently introduced problem. File explorer freezes.

I have tried most of the fixes that I find on the Web but none have made a difference. So far I have wasted 3 full working days. I do not want to lose my user files or have to reinstall all my application software and have limited confidence in backup- that crashed when I tried to restore a directory and has left me with an even bigger problem of a full disk and files I cannot delete.

Has anyone encountered this and found a cure?

:)

 

File Explorer freezes when hovering the cursor over the "create" section.

Hi Alex,

To better assist you, we'd like to know the following:

• Did you make any changes prior to this issue?
• Are you getting any error messages after File Explorer freezes?
• What troubleshooting have you done so far?

In the meantime, we suggest you restart Windows Explorer by following the steps below:

• Type Task Manager in search bar.
• Click Task Manager.
• On the pop-up window, under Windows processes, scroll-down to
  Windows Explorer.
• Right-click Windows Explorer, and click Restart.

We look forward to your response.

Thank you.

 

window file explorer freezes while black strip comes above the explorer window

Hi Sunny,

Windows Explorer freezes may be due to third-party programs or virus infection. As an initial troubleshooting step, temporarily disable your antivirus programs. After that, replicate the issue if it will freeze. You can enable your antivirus program after
we troubleshoot.

If the issue persists, you can try refreshing/restarting Windows Explorer by following these steps:

• Open Task Manager by typing it in the Cortana search bar, then press Enter.
• Look for Windows Explorer, then right-click it and select End task.
• The taskbar will disappear at the bottom of your screen.
• On the Task Manager, look for any installed application like your browser.
• Right-click it and select the Open file location. A new window will appear.
  
• Click the File tab and select Open Windows Powershell, then select Open Windows Powershell as administrator.
• Type in explorer.exe and press Enter.

It should put the taskbar back at the bottom of your screen. Check if it will freeze again.

Keep us posted after performing the troubleshooting steps.

 

Windows Explorer freeze

Hi Igor,

For us to better assist you, we'd like to ask a few questions with regard to freezing File Explorer.

• Have you made any changes to your computer before experiencing this issue?
• Have you tried any troubleshooting steps before posting this concern? If yes, what are those?

Looking forward to your response.