Resolutions for Windows File Explorer Not Responding

Overview

Some Windows 10 users are encountering a problem related to File Explorer. If your File Explorer doesn't open or crashes, here are three potential quick fixes.

What do I need?

You need to open the File Explorer Options window before we can attempt to resolve this issue. Here are two ways to open the File Explorer Options window.

• Option 1: Search for File Explorer Options

  1. Search for File Explorer Options in Windows 10 search.
     

  2. Click on File Explorer Options in the search results.
     
      
• Option 2: Run control.exe folders
  1. On your keyboard, press the Windows key and the R key at the same time to launch Run.
  2. Type “control.exe folders” in the Open field and click on OK.
     

How can I fix this issue?

Using File Explorer Options, you can try the following methods for resolving this issue.

1. Clear the File Explorer Quick Access History.
   1. Under General Tab, click on Clear under Privacy.
      
       
   2. Click on OK.
      
       
   3. Check to see if this resolved the issue.
2. Change the default Open File Explorer to option from Quick access to This PC.
   1. Under the General tab, click on the drop-down to the right of Open File Explorer to: and select This PC.
      
       
   2. Click on OK.
      
       
   3. Check to see if this resolved the issue.
3. Restore the defaults of File Explorer Options.
   1. Under the General tab, click on Restore Defaults.
      
       
   2. Click on Apply.
      
       
   3. Click on OK.
      
       
   4. Restart your computer.
   5. Check to see if this resolved the issue.

Need additional help or have issues

For additional assistance contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.