Windows 10: Windows 11 File Explorer freezes for several seconds on startup, regularly

I have had this problem now for several months, and it's really starting to annoy me: When I start the file explorer, the window opens but freezes for several seconds. When I say several, I'm talking about between 3 and 20!!! seconds. It doesn't happen on every startup, and never happens if somewhere another explorer window is already open.The problem persists over sleeps and reboots, and restarting the explorer from the task manager. I find it very weird that I could not find any other posts on this, since a friend of mine is also experiencing the exact same issue.The freezing is certainly

:)

 

Up to 14 second delay opening folders in File Explorer in Windows 11.

Kevin, Those were some impressive steps you suggested. I just wish they had worked in my case. I tried each one verbatim from your reply but the long delay still continues in file explorer. When opening and closing folders rapidly, sometimes Windows 11 keeps up, but eventually it freezes for a long period (around 14 seconds). For instance, when opening a folder, going back one level, then trying to open another folder. Explorer becomes unresponsive. I probably need to do a bit more forensics, just not sure what else to try. Not keen on tackling SAFE MODE and disabling startup processes. A fresh install of Windows might ultimately be what I need to do. However if you have further tips, I'm game. Thx!

 

File explorer is broken

Every time file explorer is opened, the program freezes. Specific symptoms:

• "Saving As" in any software brings up the file explorer window that freezes for several seconds.
  
• Right clicking on desktop crashes Explorer, the taskbar stops working, everything resets.
  
• Opening up a file explore window freezes for several seconds (Fixed by defaulting to This PC instead of Recents)
  
• Dragging and dropping is a nightmare. Often freezes mid drop, have to wait with finger pressed on drop location for several seconds.
  

Basically anything that activates explorer gives me grief.

Things I tried to fix the issue.

1. SFC scan (no problems found)
   
2. every iteration of DISM.exe (no problems found)
   
3. Updating windows.
   
4. Processor scheduling is set to Programs.
   
5. Automatically manage paging file sizes for all drives option is checked.
   
6. Disabled all startup application in Task Manager.
   
7. Clean Boot (msconfig) disabling all non microsoft services (problem persists)
   
8. Booting is safe mode (problem persists)
   
9. Restarting explorer obviously does not work.
   
10. Launch folder windows in a separate process breaks it even more.
    
11. Unchecked Show recent files etc.
    
12. Cleared File Explorer History
    
13. Changed default text size.
    

None of the solutions proposed above work.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

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.