Select File Explorer on the taskbar or press Windows key+E. Save work in other apps before continuing, because the supported recovery steps require restarting Windows.
2
Restart and update Windows
Restart the PC, install Windows updates, and test File Explorer with Windows + E.
3
Use recovery as a last step
If File Explorer still will not open, back up important files and open Microsoft's Recovery options in Windows guidance. Choose the recovery option that matches the problem; resetting or reinstalling Windows can remove apps, settings, or files.
4
Retest File Explorer
Press Windows key+E after the restart or update and open the folder that previously failed. If only one network, cloud, or removable-drive location hangs, stop before resetting Windows and troubleshoot that location instead.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
After updating and restarting Windows, press Windows + E and reopen the same folder that previously stopped responding. Note whether the failure affects that folder only or every File Explorer window.
Microsoft's next Windows 11 path may use system recovery. Back up personal files and review which apps or settings the selected recovery option removes before continuing.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
