How to Fix File Explorer not Working in Windows 10

[@RAVINFORONE]

I didn't think I would be able to fix this. But I followed your steps, wrote them down and it worked. I really didn't want to pay to have it fix again. THANKS.

[@adityak007]

So many apps were enabled in Startup tab, after disabling all of them finally the problem got solved...Thanks a ton buddy

[@milohajek]

Thank god, someone that actually knows how to speak in a tutorial. Thank you for not putting awful background music in your video (as i see with so many "tutorials") and also for actually walking through a problem, and not just moving a mouse around, good job you get a thumbs up

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Hey thanks for the comment.

[@NJP76]

Even though this did not fix my Win10 file explorer crash issue, I wholeheartedly agree with you about the quality of this presentation. I was getting soooo frustrated with all of those non-talking videos! Indeed, this was a very welcome change. That is why I put a "like" on this video...and this comment as well. :)

[@BearClawstt]

Thanks Tim, your video allowed my file explorer to start working. Upon reading the comments below I also cleared by history and then went back and set my Open File Explorer to: Quick access. It now works as it is suppose to. Thanks again. Windows Explorer now works.

[@jackikrumnow3673]

Option 3 at 9:20 worked for me, thank you so much for this! I use my File explorer all the time and it was a real hassle to have it crash every time I needed it.

[@mukesh2738]

For me too 9:25 worked yeah

[@noellebright2481]

This has been driving me MAD for days now! All other google search options were no help, so this was a life saver. Thanks so much!

[@ErnestoCarrasco]

Well, it was about a long-drawn-out process, but it finally worked after the second reboot. The problem I was having was that File Explore was not opening up at all. I never had an error message of any kind; it just wouldn't open. Following your very clear instructions helped me resolve the problem. I'll add your video to my Favorites in case I come across this again. Thanks!

[@jayronarellano8993]

Thank you so much! You just save my new laptop. Keep it comming sir. You have my respect. Btw guys: 9:25 is the step that solves my issue.

[@AL-rf2fr]

Tim your the best. I spent 8 hours looking at videos and everyone of them couldn’t fix my problem until I found your video and it fixed it in minutes. God beless you !! Keep up the great videos. Subscriber for Life!!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great to hear!

[@gokaijourney2105]

Thank you. After a week of trying everyone else's ideas, changing the view option worked.

[@jesusgonzalez7059]

9:20 worked for me; changing how File Explorer opens up. Changing Quick Access to This PC. Great troubleshooting video. Thank you, sir!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad it worked.

[@cynthiawilson3418]

Yay! Option 3 (disabling the start up apps) worked for me too! This has been a such a major pain the last few months on my computer, and have searched many videos. Thank you Tim!

[@brucemeyer6345]

Clicking on a different view doesn't really solve the problem, you're really just circumventing it by having file explorer open to a different view. I had this very same issue. I started with more simple options and found that "Reset the Folders" in File Explorer Options worked perfectly for me.

[@abdullahfall1517]

how do udo this

[@gautalawrencebusa7474]

File explore used to freeze and crush every time I select Microsoft word doc. Now that problem is solved. Thank you very much, Sir.

[@AriaNLex]

Same problem.

[@gautalawrencebusa7474]

@@AriaNLex Did you find a solution yet?

[@AriaNLex]

@@gautalawrencebusa7474 by reading the comments. I just change it on 'View' tab. I dunno but it works.

[@gautalawrencebusa7474]

@@AriaNLex That method of making adjustments on the `View` tab worked temporarily for me. Now I installed Ultra Office and made it a default app to open Microsoft docs. Now File Explorer does not freeze anymore when I click/select Microsoft docs. But I still open my docs with Microsoft Office via `open with` option. In case you face the same problem again, I recommend you try that trick.

[@AriaNLex]

@@gautalawrencebusa7474 Thank you Sir. But,is ultra office free?

[@howardfreedman4289]

Thanks sooooo much Tim. Changing the folder & search option under view did the trick. This was after trying and failing with several other suggestions on the internet. You are a magic man and saved me lots of grief. I gave you a thumbs up and have subscribed. Thanks again!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Hey thanks for the comment!

[@billharrington172]

I've been trying to fix this problem for two days... turns out I just needed to reset the file associations. THANK YOU!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad you figured it out.

[@joeywippledo9028]

Thanks a million! Changing the file explorer default open window from "Quick Access" to This PC, is what helped a similar issue I had to what you were (rather this pc was) experiencing here. The PC would almost lock up, and I have put A TON of money, time and effort into building my pc only to have this issue a couple months after completion. Thanks again!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

You're welcome!

[@SmugPandaStudios]

This saved my life. I couldn't get anything done the way my file explorer was running. Very difficult for an animator with a lot of files...

[@josephosorio5718]

You Da Man. Thanks for the help. I also clicked on the "Clear" File Explorer History button and was able to get my Quick Access function working cleanly and quickly once again. Keep the good tips and videos coming.

[@HiTadpole]

This is just a work around. The REAL fix is to "Clear File Explorer history" in the Privacy section under Folder Options. Quick Access gets hung up when you've accessed a folder no longer available, like from a thumb drive you've removed. You don't have to change any settings.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

OK you simply pointed out another way to get file explorer working. The method I show has gotten explorer working again for many. I agree that there may be other or even better ways to do this.

[@AbigailRL81]

So, does this keep the problem fixed or am I going to need to go in and do it every time I load something from a thumb drive or other source? Just wondering if you know.

[@motown75]

Oh cool! .....HOW DO YOU DO THAT IF YOUR EXPLORER WINDOW WON'T OPEN???

[@brucebond2112]

This problem occurred after I removed my thumb drive, as you mention.

[@HiTadpole]

@@motown75The easiest way is from your Windows menu click on the "Documents" folder icon (lower left side below the User ID icon) to open it. Then select the "View" tab which is on the far right on the top menu bar, then the "Options" icon on the far right, then the "Privacy" section on the "Folder Options" menu. Good luck!

[@JayMalik]

9:25 real solution

[@_zamzamisangga9319]

yep it is

[@yapanliu9608]

Thank you!

[@Bariscansoy]

Wish I looked down here before doing all that stuff

[@Kayjeah]

yep worked like a charm!

[@azmiprsty]

Thank You Brooo!!

[@peterslater1732]

Excellent. Very clearly expressed. The fix for my problem was not revealed until close to the end and I was losing hope, but finally that very last solution worked! Thank you.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great to hear!

[@meghagunti6260]

Solution given at 9:25 worked for me. Thanks!

[@zerobeoulve013125]

Have to agree with many comments here. 9:25 worked for me also. Thanks, Tim!

[@paulofem]

This actually bypasses the main issue of why on Quick Access, file explorer become unresponsive. Main fix is to clear the file explorer cache under the Privacy section. I learnt this from other comments here. All the same, thanks Tim!

[@anniedrews4849]

I'm so glad I read your comment. This fixed it in 5 seconds!! I did also hit restore defaults as mentioned on another video. Thanks so much!

[@Joecoleman84]

yup. finally right click works again! how easy. close all open file explorer windows(not sure if necessary) type file explorer options into windows search. click the top result. click the "clear" button.

[@manifestaphillips3574]

How to clear cache?

[@CryptoScotAllan]

@@Joecoleman84 Thank you i got halfway through the video and was getting a bit annoyed that he was showing up solutions that didn't seem to work. I know they may for some tho

[@Joecoleman84]

@@CryptoScotAllan glad it worked for you!

[@abhassagar]

Okay so, the thing in my case is that when I open File Explorer for the first time after starting my pc, it works fine, basically it shows the icons and recently used files and everything. But the green bar in the address tab keeps on loading. But This PC doesn't start at all, it only shows the Working on it... sign. And apparently, Control Panel also loads us to a white screen, it doesn't show the sub menus and everything. Although, all other folders are working just fine....

[@thiscommetwastyped8695]

Exactly my problem. I see it's been a year for you. So what fixed it? Please help. Kafi pareshan hoon main.

[@abhassagar]

@@thiscommetwastyped8695 Hey, I don't remembered what exactly happened with that whole situation, I assume I must have done a hard reset or something...

[@kennethjohnson2933]

Your approach is very refreshing. A systematic way that's very good and thoughtful. Knowing that this is not for all cases but it works in a lot of them and gets you thinking in a logical way to approach the problem if you listen to the entire procedure. Very good, Thank You

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Thanks for commenting.

[@kevintuffley3537]

Brilliant. Went all around the houses on MS help pages but you nailed it for me. Thanks

[@HasanainShuja]

Thanks! @5:15, disabling some start up service worked great for me after all other solutions I found online didn't work. Thanks again so much it saved my day and I can access my files again!!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad it helped

[@bethanyclayton9674]

thank you!!!!! as a uni student i definitely don't have the money to get this fixed, thank you so much for helping me step my way through this problem to find a solution.

[@tridellmiller6910]

Oh my God this was the best experience I have had on KZbin you did this right "Thank you"!!!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

You're welcome!!

[@darkclouds27]

Thank you so much. I tried the option @ 9:23 into the video and it worked.

[@fordtoy2000]

Thanks. Your style is very thorough and I had to wait because I knew you were just being thorough. In this day and age, a lot of folk would just roll their eyes because they want the gist and only the gist. I have patience and that was cool how you went through all the walk through/s of the trouble shooting. Anyway, fixed my issue. Thanks a lot! Awesome!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Hey thanks for the comment. Glad the video helped.

[@Britec09]

Another good video, keep them coming Tim

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Cheers Brian

[@Bluedragon-co4kb]

Yeah, that was awesome Tim! Very informative and helpful :-) what if that last option didn't help either? What would do after that one? Would selecting reset default all help? Restore defaults in advanced settings I mean :-)

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Yeah there could be many scenarios. I covered the basic starting point in repairing that issue but things in Windows 10 can get corrupted for many different reasons.

[@michahalczuk9071]

Worked. In my case just wiping explorer search history (quick access) completely solved the problem. Thanks!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Excellent!

[@kay77764]

4:56 solution is what I needed, it helped my file explorer to be able to play videos again, thanks!

[@eagle13ftl]

Changing from Quick Access to This PC worked for me. Thank you!!!!

[@JimsonJrSeraspe]

Thanks brod, ill fixed my desktop now. God blessed and more power to your youtube channel

[@ajmodding]

Thanks! That helped out a lot, been having the same issue for awhile now and the first solution from Quick Access switched to PC has solved my issue. Keep up the great work.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad the video helped.

[@vocady-creation466]

Thank you!!! It worked for me!! Its been bothering me for the past 2-3 days but your video helped.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great to hear!

[@CuchulainAD]

Thanks man fixed the problem with the second last fix ...much appreciated.

[@wicker70]

THANK YOU!!! The changing of the "Open File Explorer to:" option worked for me!!!!! Life. Saver. #youaremyhero

[@BaileySEA]

You are the bomb. Changing how it loads worked, Outstanding!

[@Jelle-Productions]

Thank you so much man I totally freak out when explore didn't answer so look up and finally find you again thank you so much man keep going!👊🏻❤️

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad I could help!

[@Ferdiansyah-wb4ts]

Thanks a bunch dude, actually I was mad. 'cause my laptop is new but I got that problem. Well done!

[@miftarama7152]

Same problem bro :d, solve that with this video

[@michaelbingham-hawk3110]

My client's laptop is brand new and it keeps doing this. Microsoft is and always has been a complete shit show

[@muhammadaiman5608]

omg me too..just bought this laptop few weeks ago..and i have the same problem T-T

[@imnotyourunicorn91]

I just bought this new computer too. But I tried all these tricks and it still doesn't work. I'm afraid I will have to try to reinstall it

[@thetvexplorer]

@@michaelbingham-hawk3110 It has so many flaws

[@pixlworks6844]

Great video, fixed the issue when tech support couldn't. Thank you

[@meenuraju2696]

Really helpful video.Even my laptop had this problem.

[@fsarb1]

Switching to 'This PC' option fixed my issue. Thank you so much

[@SeggyFlun]

Excellent video - extremely helpful. Thank you, Tim

[@itswaynesgame6715]

Thanks....i already fix my own laptop because of this video.

[@aminulhoque9243]

This was helpful. It resolved an ongoing issue. Thanks very much

[@SuperKostyl]

Thanks a lot. Last step fixed my problem in seconds. Fast and easy.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Thanks for commenting.

[@keroleperry8551]

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! This was totally helpful... it was the simple change of quick access to this PC that worked for me...

[@arunabhadityatiwari8568]

Thank you man! I thought I had a virus in my system. Explorer started working back again just fine..... Thanks a lot.. 🙏🙏

[@CWM432]

This was GREAT! Fixed my problem, which was the same as yours in the video. Only comment I have is that I was following you on another screen and when it said to reboot, I did it without thinking I was going to lose the video. Easy enough to pick it back up though. If you would have given a quick warning for those of us following you like sheep. Otherwise great video. Thanks for doing that!!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad the video helped.

[@brianmorgan1204]

Yes! It worked! "Change Folder and Search Options". Thanks a million!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

You're welcome!

[@ss1nga]

Thanks so much the option ending at 6:57 work for me!!

[@anasabughalia4325]

This video helped me so much I had assignments to do and I couldn't do them because of this problem so thanks very much for helping

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Thanks for commenting.

[@adamvelazquez3620]

Hey Tim! Thanks for making this troubleshooting so easy!

[@DontKnowNoSnakes]

Thank you! 09:15 was the solution for me.

[@lnnys]

me too

[@Laura_Nunn]

me too :D. some reason it was set to my pc, i just click apply again and it worked :D

[@triwaluyo6155]

Me too

[@otterlypawful]

The second method worked perfectly! Thank you so much, as a gamer who is constantly downloading mod files, it was getting so stressful having to restart my computer because of File Explorer.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great to hear!

[@chrisburns7534]

Mine keeps disappearinh

[@dancicero]

Thanks, Tim. I had this problem, watched your video and changing the privacy settings worked. I also cleared the file explorer history. I reset back to "Quick Access" and the problem was still gone, so I suspect, like other posters here, the root problem was in the file explorer history.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Thanks for the input.

[@NJP76]

Sorry to say, that didn't work either. :(

[@jamesh2640]

Changing default view to "this PC" worked for me. Thanks for the tip!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad you got it working.

[@nojento99]

Thank you. This worked exactly as it did on your tutorial and what fixed yours, also fixed mine. Much appreciated.

[@mavishkumarjeeawan6667]

I really can say thank you man. Finally it worked. The best solution

[@owencoopersfx]

Thank you very much. Resetting the file associations fixed this issue for me.

[@owencoopersfx]

Got this issue again and then the same fix as in the video fixed it for me. Honestly, I would prefer for it to open on My PC anyway so this took out two birds with one stone. Thanks again.

[@sitnspin1819]

You, my friend, are an absolute legend!

[@bonnieetc]

Wow Thank you so much! Yes, new laptop here also, and this resolved my problem. Now I need to find out why my Wifi doesn't connect automatically on my new laptop.

[@five1002]

Solution is at 9:48 ish, and takes one second! To get to it faster, I just searched for "Folder Options" from the start menu search thing, "File Folder Options" came up-- then did exactly like he said and DONE. (Open File Explorer to This PC)

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Thanks for the comment.

[@rosiebarrios3183]

5:14 worked for me omg god bless!! THANK YOU!!

[@peacefulimagination4296]

Thank you sir I was very worried since 2 days finally I fixed the problem through you🙏

[@rickystambach7584]

Thanks for the video. It help me figure out that I just had to go to the View tab > Options > change folder and search options > and under the general tab click on the restore defaults button.

[@iwalenia9007]

Excellent! Changing the one option worked for me!

[@robertd1950]

At 7:53, fixed the problem for me. You show what needs to be done if it didn't fix by reversing back to normal boot, but since it fixed what do I do at this point? Do I enable services and startup as if it didn't fix or just leave it alone?

[@TimsComputerRepair]

You may want to check some other solutions in the comments below.

[@robertd1950]

@@TimsComputerRepair I'm fixed. Do I enable what I disabled or not? You enabled when your solution DIDN'T fix at 7:53, since it fixed it on my end, do I enable what I disabled? Nevermind, I went ahead and enabled all and it's still working. Thanks.

[@TheWickeRmoss]

First step and it already worked for me. Thanks and GOD BLESS YOU!! ❤

[@chularansifernando5]

Thank you very much! A lot of posts are not worked for me. But your solution worked for me.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@ernestomangahas1261]

Thank you. Your video did solve my File Explorer problems.

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great!

[@goldeenkirby4361]

The solution at 9:25 solved my issue. Thank you so much

[@AlexMartinez-be2rh]

Thank you very much, at the end was the last option, and finally works!!! Bless you men!!!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great!

[@mickeyhimmel9713]

This was a great help to me, thanks Tim.

[@adkbuck]

Thanks very much Tim, disabling background programs and restarting worked!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Great!

[@zartar2]

Thanks a lot Tim, the last method worked for me!

[@hausofgrind]

So good! Thank you! Changing quick access to this pc is the option that worked for me!

[@Berghiker]

It worked when changing the view options to PC. Thanks!

[@rudyvargas5038]

Thank you! Your explanation was very thorough.

[@animeboy6287]

Omg I found this Video Than i clicked On it I thought all of my files Became Corrupted Tysm!

[@ReverseCOPD]

Thanks man. Method 3 worked for me. I didn't try the other 2.

[@kinikz17]

Sure thing 9:25 worked for me. Thanks a lot!

[@mukesh2738]

Gr8 seriously 9:25 solved my issue too..

[@misssteak5646]

Thanks. resetting default apps worked straight away.

[@kdckeino]

Good job! I actually learned a lot by your walking me through it step by step

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad the video helped.

[@reinvalero2733]

Reaaally helped me on my laptop. Thanks very much!

[@jhoslunzaga1094]

OML Thx Man ur a big Help I spent almost 200 dollars on repairs on the system 😭 But this vid Is AMAZINGGGGG

[@catherineelainebaxter4609]

You are my life-saver. Thank you so much for your time and effort which I am sure has helped so many people like myself who are not equipped to fix these problems. I am so grateful to you. I followed your instructions, and viola, I am sorted again. Woo Hoo.🎇🏅

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad I could help!

[@Dr-BeaBeltran]

Great and thorough demonstration.

[@CJDirtyEwok]

fantastic video learned a few things a never knew, cheers buddy.

[@mikeyjaynes92]

Mine is a bit different. It doesn't come up at all. But if I put my cursor over it, it shows the preview, but if I exit out it restarts, but if it is ended through task manager then it just shows a frozen white screen, and I can't do anything

[@stanleyphillips369]

same and i cant find any way to fix it

[@mscottramsey]

WOW! I was dubious but this really helped me out. Thanks!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad it helped!

[@phillippebruneau]

Thank you very much. Very clear and lucid guide. Worked for me!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Glad it helped!

[@todschattgen5527]

Great job Tim. That solved my problem. I'll subscribe!

[@TimsComputerRepair]

Thanks for the comment.

[@LividNNeon]

I did the solution at 9:25. It actually opened, but I'm still having a problem. Whenever I open it, it's just stuck loading but I can click things. Sadly the only things shown are Quick access and This PC, no other folders.