How to Fix File Explorer Freezing
File Explorer freezing can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task. This issue can occur due to various reasons, such as outdated system files, corrupted drivers, or even malware. In this article, we will discuss some effective methods to fix File Explorer freezing on your Windows PC.
1. Restart Your Computer
The simplest solution to many computer-related issues, including File Explorer freezing, is to restart your computer. This will help clear any temporary glitches or conflicts that might be causing the problem. To restart your computer, press the Windows key + X, select “Restart,” and wait for the system to reboot.
2. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run this tool, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will automatically repair them.
3. Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause File Explorer to freeze. To update your drivers, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “System devices” or “Display adapters” category, depending on the driver you want to update.
3. Right-click on the device and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Run the Disk Cleanup Tool
The Disk Cleanup tool helps remove unnecessary files from your system, which can help improve performance and fix File Explorer freezing. To run the Disk Cleanup tool, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Disk Cleanup.”
2. Choose the drive you want to clean up (usually the C: drive) and click “OK.”
3. Select the files you want to delete and click “OK.”
5. Perform a Clean Boot
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 File Explorer to freeze. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig,” and press Enter.
2. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
3. Click “Disable all” and then go to the “Startup” tab.
4. Click “Open Task Manager” and disable all startup items.
5. Restart your computer and check if File Explorer is still freezing.
6. Run the Problem Reports and Solutions Tool
The Problem Reports and Solutions tool can help diagnose and fix issues with your Windows PC, including File Explorer freezing. To run this tool, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Control Panel.”
2. Click on “Troubleshooting” and then “View all.”
3. Select “Problem Reports and Solutions” and follow the on-screen instructions.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix File Explorer freezing on your Windows PC. If the issue persists, consider seeking professional help or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.
