Windows 10: File explorer issues, specifically the downloads tabs.

When ever I open my file explorer its defaulted open to "Quick Stuff" , desktop, documents, pictures, disk ect. open fine, no issues! The problem starts when I try to open the downloads tab, it loads for a bit as busy, and then crashes an resets the exploreri assume I'm not technical guys. Even when I try to open the properties. Uh i recently reset my whole computer because of issues with the explorer, it kept resetting, I couldn't access like anything outside of shortcuts. I restarted it and it stopped, I can actually do stuff now but I tried to download Chrome, went to downloads, BOOM IT

:)

 

Something wrong with downloads?

maybe list the specific file you are trying to download. I also just grabbed a download with no issues, and good speed.

 

Win 11 File Explorer tabs not opening

Hello. I'm Douglas, here to help you with this.

For this situation, I recommend that you test the steps in the order they are listed below:

1. Install Windows Updates

File Explorer tabs are only available on computers running Windows 11 22H2 or later. So your first step is to determine which version of Windows your computer is running. If your system is running an older version, use the following steps to update to the latest version.

Step 1: Click the Windows button on the taskbar to open the Start menu and click the gear icon to launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Click on the Windows Update option on the left sidebar and click on the Check for Updates button on the top right corner.

After updating Windows to the latest version, File Explorer tabs will appear.

2. Restart the Windows Explorer process

Windows Explorer is a system process that manages the graphical user interface (GUI) for File Explorer. If this process is not running correctly, File Explorer may not display the tabs on your computer. Most of the time, you can fix problems with the Windows Explorer process simply by restarting it. Here are the steps for the same.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open Task Manager.

Step 2: On the Processes tab, find the Windows Explorer process. Right-click and select Restart.

Your taskbar will disappear for a few seconds and reappear. After that, open File Explorer on your PC and check if you can access the tabs.

3. Clear File Explorer history

Windows File Explorer keeps a record of your previous activities and searches to better serve you. If Windows is having trouble accessing this data for some reason, File Explorer may malfunction. You can try clearing the existing File Explorer history and see if that helps.

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the taskbar, type file explorer options and press Enter.

Step 2: On the General tab, click on the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer History.

4. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

Your Windows computer runs the System Maintenance Troubleshooter regularly to clean up unused files, desktop shortcuts, and perform other maintenance tasks. This tool can help fix any irregularities with File Explorer and restore missing tabs. See how to run it.

Step 1: Press Windows keys + S to open Windows Search, type control panel and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Control Panel window, use the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner to select Large Icons. Then click on the Troubleshooting menu in the list of icons.

Step 3: In the System and Security section, select the Perform maintenance tasks option.

Step 4: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter. After that, check if the problem persists.

5. Check for corrupted system files

Another reason File Explorer may not show tabs is if some of the system files on your PC are corrupt or missing. SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) are two Windows tools that can help detect and repair any damaged system files. See how to run them.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon to open the Power User menu and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

Step 3: In the console, type the following command and press Enter.

SFC/scannow

After the scan completes, you will see a message indicating whether or not you found any errors. You will also receive instructions for correcting the error if there is a problem.

Then run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan by typing the following commands and pressing Enter after each one:

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/CheckHealth

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealth

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

Note that DISM can connect to Windows servers to download system files if needed. So make sure you have an active internet connection.

Restart your PC after the scan completes and check if File Explorer shows tabs.

I hope this information helps you, post the results again, I'm available.

Thanks.

 

File Explorer and viewing pictures

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.



I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

• 
  Open File Explorer.
  
• 
  Click on View Tab.
  
• 
  Select Detail panel.
  
• 
  Now if you click on any picture or file you will be able to see the information at the top right corner.
  

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.