Windows 10: File Explorer will start but I cannot access it

Discus and support File Explorer will start but I cannot access it in Windows 10 Network and Sharing to solve the problem; A few days ago, I started having issues with my file explorer. It would activate the program, show up on my hotbar, but I couldn't actually access... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Network and Sharing' started by Nicolas Van Duffel, Mar 31, 2020.

  1. File Explorer will start but I cannot access it


    A few days ago, I started having issues with my file explorer. It would activate the program, show up on my hotbar, but I couldn't actually access it.Here's a GIF of how it looks:

    https://gyazo.com/b4a7203f67e3e3c698fb3591dafbd343

    I tried everything I could think of, including restarting the computer, restarting it with task manager, manually closing it and opening it again.

    I think the issue started popping up after I installed the latest update to microsoft, but I might be mistaken.


    Please help.

    :)
     
    Nicolas Van Duffel, Mar 31, 2020
    #1

  2. File Explorer/Quick Access

    I recently started having a problem with File Explorer and Quick Access. When I start my computer, all works fine but then gradually the files as listed in File Explorer and Quick Access start to disappear and soon there are none present. I need to
    restart and again they are there but also again they start to disappear. Has anyone else had this problem and any suggestion to correct? Thanks/

    Moved from: Windows 10 / Ease of access / PC
     
    William L Hurley, Mar 31, 2020
    #2
  3. Mark Ole Win User
    Quick Access Crashes Explorer

    Hi Bill,

    Quick Access is a new feature in Windows 10 File Explorer navigation pane which helps users quickly navigate to locations which are frequently used. However, if you're having issues with Quick Access, you can try to disable and enable it. To disable Quick
    Access, follow these steps:

    • Type File Explorer Option in the search box.
    • Click on File Explorer Options.
    • Under General tab, choose This PC in the Open File Explorer to: drop down menu.
    • Uncheck Show recently used files in Quick access and
      Show frequently use folders in Quick access.
    • Click Apply an OK.
    • Restart the computer and re-enable Quick access.

    Let us know how it goes after performing the suggested troubleshooting steps.
     
    Mark Ole, Mar 31, 2020
    #3
  4. File Explorer will start but I cannot access it

    Windows 10 Start Menu File Explorer button error "Windows cannot access the specified device ..."

    Hi All,

    I have a strange error with windows start menu today! Please check the attached two images:

    Notes (before reproducing steps):

    • My laptop is up without restart for 11 days till now, I am a software engineer.
    • I have ended the explorer processes and relaunched it from the task manager.
    • File Explorer button in the start menu opens "This PC".
    • I can open the Explorer normally by
      • Menu Button + E
      • File Explorer pinned to the taskbar

    • I can't open the File Explorer by Start Menu > File Explorer Button

    • I don't want to restart, I have a lot of work on other desktops, restart solves this problem. Obviously, it is a bug.

    Steps to reproduce the error:

    • open the start menu
    • click on file explorer button
      • an error message appears with "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item".

    Step 1:


    File Explorer will start but I cannot access it fad2ccec-0d7c-4272-9c89-08b9eb0f0083?upload=true.png


    Step 2 & result:


    File Explorer will start but I cannot access it 06f0a347-02ec-4462-acd2-2d5f32d5199d?upload=true.png


    Steps were taken trying to resolve the issue:

    • I tried to restart the explorer process from task manager, but with no success.
    • I tried to replace the shortcut the file explorer button points at, but still with no hope.
    • I checked the permissions of the "explorer.exe" process in "Windows" folder, and I have the correct permissions. I even tried to double click the file "explorer.exe" and it normally opened the explorer without a problem!

    I guess it is a problem with the File Explorer button itself in the start menu (A GUI problem), maybe a corrupted registry key!

    Software and Hardware Specs:

    Windows 10 Pro x64

    Version 1709

    OS Build 16299.309

    Dell Inspiron 7559

    Quad Cores i5 2.3 GHz

    8 GB Ram

    Thank you very much.
     
    ahmedhamdy90, Mar 31, 2020
    #4
Thema:

File Explorer will start but I cannot access it

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