Windows 10: File Explorer needs clean up or restart

My File Explorer left pane lists all folders 4 times in the leftnavigation?pane: under Quick Access and This PC and One Drive and Libraries. and a folder with my name. Why are the same files I've saved listed this way and how to fix or go back to original File Explorer in Windows 10. I have it so screwed up I can rarely find any file I wish to open without getting them all mixed up.

It used to be simple when I simply saved everything to This PC but when Edge opened all files went to One Drive.

I had never used One Drive so I had uninstalled it from Start and Programs and Features long ago. Yet, everything saved in Edge still goes into the One Drive folder AND Quick Access AND This PC AND Libraries AND

the folder with my name. I don't save many items so I ask if it is possible to just get rid of the current File Explorer as it now is and start all over with the Windows 10 original version of File Explorer.

I realize this is difficult to understand becauseas is obvious I do not understand how to use File Explorer at all.

If I can start all over with the original version I can study and learn the correct ways to use it. Please help!

:)

 

Windows 10 infinite restart black screen


The tutorials provided are just a list of troubleshooting steps. Use only the steps which apply to you.

Since none of the troubleshooting steps here worked, I'd suggest you do a Clean install.

John

 

File Explorer resetting to Details after Anniversary Update

Hi,

Let's get this sorted out. We suggest you try these troubleshooting steps:

• Start the Windows in clean boot. To do this, follow the steps
  here.
• Once in clean boot environment, change the settings again to set it back to
  List. Normally, changing the view style in the bottom right of the window and exiting File Explorer should do the trick. The next time you open File Explorer, it should default to the last view style selected.
• If the issue persist, let's run SFC scan to look for corrupted files. Here's
  how.
• Restart the computer normally.

Share with us the results.

Thanks.

 

Computer restarts when File Explorer is selected

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I appreciate the efforts taken by you in resolving this issue. I understand that the computer restarts when File Explorer is selected. We cannot actually reinstall File Explorer on the computer, as it is bundled with the OS.



However, it would be great if you can help us with the details requested below:

• When you say, “When File Explorer is selected my computer restarts” do you see any error message or code when the computer restarts?
  
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer recently?
  
• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer currently? To check type winver in the search bar on the Taskbar.
  
• What are the troubleshooting steps you have tried so far?
  

I suggest you to try restarting the Windows Explorer and see if that helps. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open
   Task Manager.
   
2. Now, click on File and select Run new task.
   
3. Type explorer.exe and select the check the checkbox for
   Create this task with administrative privileges.
   
4. Click on OK.
   

You can also try updating the graphics card drivers. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Display adapters.
   
3. Right click on the graphics card
   device and select Update Driver.
   

Article for reference:
Update drivers in Windows 10.



If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try booting the computer into Safe Mode and see if the issue persists in Safe Mode.
Refer the article Start
your PC in safe mode in Windows 10



If you are not facing the issue in Safe Mode then perform a Clean Boot being in Safe Mode environment.



Performing a clean boot will start the computer with minimal set of drivers and programs, to determine whether a background program is causing the issue. Some of the Startup programs will not load after performing a clean boot on the computer. However,
that functionality will return when you reset the computer to start normally after finishing the troubleshooting.



To perform a clean boot on the computer refer to the article
How to perform a clean boot in Windows.



In case the error is not present in Clean Mode then refer the section
How to determine what is causing the problem after you do a clean boot to identify the root cause of the issue.



Note: Please go through the section:
Reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting from the Kb article to boot the computer in normal startup after fixing the issue



For additional information, see
Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator