Windows 10: Unextracted files cause lag in File Explorer (Windows 10)

So, a few months ago, I got a Windows 10 Pro Dell Laptop, 64 bit, 8 gigs of ram, Intel Inside Core i7, pretty nice deal. I haven't really had any problems (Except the one I'm about to describe) or viruses (there was one small file which may have been a false positive but it's been a while and it was quickly quarantined by Windows Defender and I took care of it) and the one issue I did have when I tried to install an old game which caused my File Explorer windows to freeze and flash when I tried to move them was fixed with a restore point.


Shortly before that issue, though, I downloaded a zip file. And I found that when I clicked and dragged my cursor to select the files I wanted, there was a good deal of lag. An object would be highlighted, File Explorer would pause, then the next item would be highlighted, pause, etc, etc. And that would cause File Explorer as a WHOLE to lag. Not to that same extent but it would still get slow until I either restarted File Explorer through Task Manager or closed all File Explorer windows.


I thought maybe I had accidentally gotten a virus or something, but I wondered why Windows Defender didn't tell me. I decided to run a quick scan, and nothing came up. To be sure, I also got Malwarebytes and did a more thorough scan. Nothing. Currently running the custom scan for EVERYTHING but I figure it'll be more of the same.


My computer's not really loaded up (366 GB free out of 465).. I've optimized the drive but it didn't help. It's not the end of the world but it is kind of annoying.. My computer seems to be in rather good health otherwise. Never had a crash, it's never overheated to the point of powering off, no physical damage. Any ideas on how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.

:)

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Some files listed in Windows Explorer are blue font

I seem to have run out of room on a Windows XP Pro system. I tried to defrag but don't have but 7% room available. I looked in Windows Explorer to try to find some huge files that might be corrupt and I see a few that are listed in blue. What does that mean? I have not compressed anything on purpose. Thanks

 

Lagging File Explorer


How old is your HDD?

If it is starting to fail (e.g. developing dodgy blocks/sectors) you can experience long delays when you try to access files on it.

Regardless of its age, I would suggest that you immediately backup your:

• Personal files
• Driver installers
• Program installers and keys