Windows 11 · Windows
Windows 11 - How To Fix File Explorer Not Responding
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Answer
In your start menu search, type Task Manager. You can also use the shortcut CTRL + Shift + ESC to open it up. In the window, select File and click on Run new task. In this dialogue box, type explorer and check the “Create this task with administrative privileges” box and click on Ok. Your file explorer will open up, and it should work fine now.
Launch the Task Manager with Admin Privileges
In your start menu search, type Task Manager. You can also use the shortcut CTRL + Shift + ESC to open it up. In the window, select File and click on Run new task. In this dialogue box, type explorer and check the “Create this task with administrative privileges” box and click on Ok. Your file explorer will open up, and it should work fine now.
Adjust the File Explorer Properties
To prevent your file explorer from not responding or crashing in the future, leave your file explorer open and right-click the application’s process in the Processes tab. Select Properties. In the General tab of your explorer properties, click Advanced and ensure that both File attributes boxes are checked and the Compress and Encrypt attributes are unchecked. Apply your changes, and then you can close the window.
File Explorer Options
Lastly, open up your file explorer. Click on the burger menu and select Options.; In the General tab, change the “Open File Explorer to” option from “Quick Access” to “This PC.”; Under Privacy, these two options should also be checked. Apply your changes, and then you can close the window.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the current interface differs, compare it with the recorded video walkthrough.