Windows 10: File Explorer is slow when attempting to open or use the 'Drop down menu'

Discus and support File Explorer is slow when attempting to open or use the 'Drop down menu' in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Hi, I have an issue reported by one of our clients that any files on File Explorer take over 1 minute to open or even Right-click to show the drop-down... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Nico Linsalata, Jun 2, 2025 at 4:37 PM.

  1. File Explorer is slow when attempting to open or use the 'Drop down menu'


    Hi, I have an issue reported by one of our clients that any files on File Explorer take over 1 minute to open or even Right-click to show the drop-down menu. These are all local files on the C: Drive. I proceeded to try some network changes in case this was stemming from OneDrive, but after creating a new file on the C:, the issue continues.It is only affecting two users on two different machines:OS:Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 10.0.19045 en-USModel: HP HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini PCCPU: IntelR CoreTM i7-10700T CPU @ 2.00GHz 16 virtual X64Name: WS-

    :)
     
    Nico Linsalata, Jun 2, 2025 at 4:37 PM
    #1

  2. File explorer will not open on windows 10

    In this case, it's possible that the File Explorer is set to open an incorrect/corrupted file location. To rule out folder path related issues, we suggest that you follow the steps below:

    • Type Control Panel in the search box. From the search result, click
      Control Panel.
    • Select Small icons from the View by: drop-down list located on the top right side of the window.
    • Select File Explorer Options.
    • Under the General tab, select This
      PC
      from the Open File Explorer to: drop-down list.
    • Click OK.

    Once you're done, open File Explorer again and check if the issue persists.

    Feel free to post back if you encounter any challenges along the process.
     
  3. HDVIDTech Win User
    Explorer Opens slow

    I have tried the steps listed below. Method 2 and pinned it to the task bar. This helps it open faster but when it opens then the open window are grouped away from the icon on the task bar. I have to have two explorer folders pinned to the task bar to
    have a fast opening Explorer and grouped windows together.



    When I do "open file location" the original one shows it is on the desktop, but it is not there. The other one I created tracks back to the C:\ drive location as it was created. Just kind of weird that one is referencing the Desktop when it is not there.
    Maybe hidden but still kind of odd.

    How can I make it where I only have one Explorer that is both fast to open and the only one on the task bar?

    Method 1: Rebuild your search index.

    • Press Windows key + R, type control.exe srchadmin.dll, and click on OK.
    • Click on the Advanced button.
    • From the Advanced dialogue box, select Rebuild. Selecting Rebuild will begin the process of deleting, and then rebuilding your PC’s search index.

    Note: While the steps to initiate the rebuilding process are simple, the actual process can take quite some time depending on how much data Windows has to index.

    Method 2: Create a File Explorer shortcut on your desktop.

    • On your Windows 10 desktop, right-click with the mouse.
    • Select New > Shortcut.
    • Type explorer.exe in the Location box.
    • Click on Next button.
    • Click on Finish button. You should now have a shortcut on your desktop.
    • Right-click the new shortcut, and select Properties.
    • Under Target line, change it to (note the space between C:\Windows\explorer.exe and /n):

      C:\Windows\explorer.exe /n
    • Click the OK button. Now you can double-click it like your regular File Explorer app.

    Method 3: Reset the File Explorer view to the default settings across all your folders.

    • Launch File Explorer, click the File menu, and select Change folder and search options.
    • Click on the View tab.
    • Under Folder views, click on Reset Folders.
    • Click the OK button.

    Let us know if any of the suggestions helped.
     
  4. File Explorer is slow when attempting to open or use the 'Drop down menu'

    'Open in new window' right-click menu option for File Explorer


    I just submitted this suggestion on Windows Uservoice:

    The idea: the right-click menu for folders in File Explorer has an option called 'Open in new window', which opens that folder in a new File Explorer window. Very useful for copying and moving things, and opening destination folders without accessing the start menu a second time.

    right-click menu option for File Explorer – Feature Suggestions for Windows
     
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File Explorer is slow when attempting to open or use the 'Drop down menu'

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