Windows 10: File Explorer not responding when I select a file

Discus and support File Explorer not responding when I select a file in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Windows 10. Whenever I try to select a file in the File Explorer, it freezes for ~5 seconds although I did manage to select 3 files in quick succession... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Neil Shavit, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:22 AM.

  1. NEIL SHAVIT
    Neil Shavit Win User

    File Explorer not responding when I select a file


    Windows 10. Whenever I try to select a file in the File Explorer, it freezes for ~5 seconds although I did manage to select 3 files in quick succession on one occasion and then stops responding turns into a black screen. So far it never crashed on its own, just lingering on the black screen until I forcefully shut it down. This seems to only happen in local drive C:, which might be because it has ~2 GB of space left.Edit: This also occurs when accessing the folders using external programs such as WinRAR.Edit 2: After further testing, this only occurs with folders that have a large amount

    :)
     
    Neil Shavit, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:22 AM
    #1
  2. CARLIEBALL
    CarlieBall Win User

    File Explorer Not Responding

    Hi,

    I am following very clear instructions online in order to fix File Explorer Not Responding on my brand new computer. Instructions I am following are at this link: https://www.****/knowledge/windows-10-file-explorer-wont-open-solved/

    I can get as far as Step 4 where I try to right click on Quick Access within the File Explorer but because it is Not Responding this action does not work and I have to close File Explorer.

    Does anyone have suggestions for how to get around this when File Explorer is Not Responding?

    Alternatively, should I consider storing larger files in a different drive of the computer?

    A little background: I have had this computer that came loaded with Windows 10 for about 1 month. The File Explorer would not respond when I first started using it (transferring in new files), and again recently when I have tried saving several (large) design
    files from Illustrator. This may be the culprit for it's bogging down; either that or perhaps because I just deleted 1000's of emails off of gmail? My text display size is at 100%.

    Thank you.

    ps I am not very computer savvy so please dumb down your responses!
     
    CarlieBall, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:01 AM
    #2
  3. J. RAúL
    J. Raúl Win User
    File Explorer not responding problem.

    Try this steps because I think it's related with quick access in file explorer:

    1. Open a new Explorer window.
    2. Click View in the ribbon.
    3. Click Options.
    4. Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
    5. Click OK.
    Now it should hopefully work fine.
     
    J. Raúl, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:01 AM
    #3
  4. ROBERT CAW
    Robert Caw Win User

    File Explorer not responding when I select a file

    File explorer not responding

    Hi Sue,

    After an update, your PC can sometimes cause software conflicts. We would like to know more about the File Explorer not responding. Please provide answers to the questions:

    • Can you please tell us if this update was a regular security update or the Fall Creators update?
    • When you saw a dialog box, did you see a particular error message? If yes please send a screenshot.
    • Did you perform any troubleshooting steps to resolve the concern?

    We'll wait for you response to our queries.
     
    Robert Caw, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:01 AM
    #4
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File Explorer not responding when I select a file

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