Windows 10: Windows Explorer performance/loading issues after the latest update

Many of our users are reporting file explorer loading issues, especially with the "Downloads" folder. This has started since installing the latest April 23, 2024—KB5036979 OS Build 19045.4355 update. Explorer gets stuck on the "working on it" screen, and the only way to get it to work is to restart the process from Task Manager. But the issue occurs again after a few minutes. Rebooting the machine helps for about an hour, after which it starts doing it again. I noticed the issue is more specifically with loading the "Downloads" folder.I tried every possible "fix" I could find online includin

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Performance issues with File Explorer in Windows 10

Hello,

Thank you for your reply, appreciate the time taken by you in keeping us updated on the status of the issue.

As the issue still persists, I suggest you to try the below steps and check if this helps.

I would suggest you to perform System Maintenance troubleshooter on the computer and check if it fixes the issue.

Please follow the steps to perform System maintenance check to improve performance of the computer:

• 
  Press Windows and x key together and select Control Panel.
  
• 
  Click on Troubleshooting.
  
• 
  Click on View all on the left side panel.
  
• 
  Click on System Maintenance and follow the onscreen instructions.
  

I also suggest you to install the latest Windows updates and check.

Windows Update helps keep your computer up to date with the latest system updates and drivers. You can check Windows Update manually to help ensure you have the latest updates.

• 
  Hit Windows Key and type
  
• 
  Type Windows Updates
  
• 
  Click on Windows Updates
  
• 
  Click on Check for updates
  and install the latest windows updates.
  

Hope this helps. Please do let us know if you need any further assistance.

 

Windows Explorer Replacement?

are you running IE7? if not that wouold be my first suggestion,upgrade to ie7 that can fix some stability issues with windows explorer

 

Windows explorer performance issues

Hi, HSHI1

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.



If you're experiencing slow performance specifically with Windows Explorer when opening folders, but other disk-related operations seem normal, there are a few potential causes and solutions you can try:

1. Clear Explorer History: Windows Explorer keeps track of recently accessed files and folders, and this history can sometimes cause performance issues. You can try clearing the File Explorer history to see if it improves performance. Here's how:
   
   • Open File Explorer.
     
   • Click on the three horizontally aligned dot patterns at the top.
     
   • Click on "Options" on the far right.
     
   • In the Folder Options window, go to the "General" tab.
     
   • Under the "Privacy" section, click on the "Clear" button next to "Clear File Explorer history."
     
   • Click "OK" to apply the changes.
     
2. Disable Quick Access: Quick Access is a feature in File Explorer that displays frequently used folders and recently accessed files. Disabling Quick Access might improve performance, especially if you have a large number of files and folders being tracked. Here's how:
   
   • Open File Explorer.
     
   • In the left-hand navigation pane, right-click on "Quick access" > "Show more options".
     
   • Select "Options" from the context menu.
     
   • In the Folder Options window, set the "Open File Explorer to" option to "This PC."
     
   • Uncheck both "Show recently used files in Quick access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick access."
     
   • Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
     
3. Check for File System Errors: Even if your disk is in good condition, there could still be file system errors causing performance issues. You can run the CHKDSK utility to scan and repair file system errors. Here's how:
   
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
     
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     
     
   • You may need to restart your computer for the scan to run at startup. Follow the on-screen instructions.
     
     Disclaimer: Running chkdsk can check the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors. To avoid any trouble for you, do not cancel or interrupt chkdsk, and back up important data.
     
     
     
     More information please refer to this chkdsk | Microsoft Learn.
     
4. Disable Thumbnails: Windows Explorer may slow down when trying to generate thumbnails for files, especially if there are a large number of files in a folder. You can try disabling thumbnails to see if it improves performance. Here's how:
   
   • Open File Explorer.
     
   • Go to the three horizontally aligned dot patterns at the top.
     
   • Click on the "Options" button on the far right.
     
   • In the Folder Options window, go to the "View" tab.
     
   • Check the box next to "Always show icons, never thumbnails."
     
   • Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
     
5. Update Graphics Drivers: Sometimes, outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause performance issues in Windows Explorer. Make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date by visiting the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest drivers for your graphics card.
   

Try these steps one by one and see if any of them help improve the performance of Windows Explorer when opening folders.



If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.



Best Regards

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist