How to Fix Windows File Explorer
Are you experiencing issues with Windows File Explorer? Whether it’s slow performance, missing features, or unexpected errors, fixing Windows File Explorer can be a daunting task. However, with the right steps and solutions, you can get your file explorer back up and running smoothly. In this article, we will discuss various methods to fix common problems with Windows File Explorer.
1. Update Windows and File Explorer
One of the first steps to fix Windows File Explorer is to ensure that both your Windows operating system and File Explorer are up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that address known issues and improve performance. To update Windows, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Update & Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” and follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.
2. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing “cmd” in the Start menu search, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the System File Checker will attempt to repair them.
3. Clean Boot Your Computer
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing issues with File Explorer. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
3. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
4. Click on “Disable all” to disable all non-Microsoft services.
5. Go to the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
6. Disable all startup programs by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
7. Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
8. Restart your computer.
4. Reset File Explorer
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try resetting File Explorer to its default settings. To reset File Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and type “control” and press Enter.
2. In the Control Panel, go to “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
3. Click on “Turn Windows features on or off” on the left side of the window.
4. Scroll down and expand “File Explorer Options.”
5. Uncheck “Use the File Explorer Folders view instead of the Windows Explorer Folders view” and click “OK.”
6. Restart your computer.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix common issues with Windows File Explorer. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft Support or a professional technician.
