Reviving the File Explorer- Effective Strategies to Restore Its Smooth Functionality

How to Fix File Explorer Not Working on It

In today’s digital age, the file explorer is an essential tool for managing our computer’s files and folders. However, there are times when the file explorer may not work as expected, causing frustration and hindering productivity. In this article, we will discuss various methods to fix file explorer not working on your computer.

1. Restart the File Explorer Process

One of the simplest ways to fix file explorer not working is to restart the process. Follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Go to the “Processes” tab.
3. Find “Windows Explorer” or “explorer.exe” in the list of processes.
4. Right-click on it and select “End Task.”
5. Close the Task Manager and press Ctrl + Shift + Esc again to open it.
6. Go to the “File” menu and select “Run new task.”
7. Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter.

2. Check for Disk Errors

Disk errors can cause the file explorer to malfunction. To check for and fix disk errors, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Type “chkdsk C:” (replace “C:” with your system drive letter) and press Enter.
3. You may need to restart your computer for the disk check to complete.
4. Once the process is finished, the file explorer should work properly.

3. Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”)
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. The scan may take some time to complete. Once it’s finished, restart your computer and check if the file explorer is working.

4. Reset File Explorer

If the above methods do not work, you can try resetting the file explorer settings to their default values. To do this:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Go to “Programs” and select ” Programs and Features.”
4. Click on “Turn Windows features on or off” on the left pane.
5. Expand “File Explorer Options” and uncheck “File Explorer” and “Library Support.”
6. Click “OK” and restart your computer.

5. Reinstall the File Explorer

If all else fails, you can try reinstalling the file explorer. To do this:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
3. Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of installed programs.
4. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall.”
5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
6. Restart your computer and reinstall the file explorer by searching for “Windows Explorer” in the Start menu.

By following these methods, you should be able to fix file explorer not working on your computer. If the issue persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional or Microsoft support.