10 Best Fixes for File Explorer Problems in Windows 11

If you’re a Windows 11 user, you’ve undoubtedly experienced some problems with the File Explorer, from either slow loading times to crashing. Nevertheless, there are some fixes that you can use to get your File Explorer back up and running.

This article will discuss the 10 best fixes for common File Explorer problems that occasionally occur in Windows 11. Keep reading to learn more about these solutions and how you can both quickly and easily get your File Explorer running smoothly again.

Why is File Explorer not opening files?

The reason why the File Explorer does not open files might range from either some errors you are aware or errors you may not be aware of. Let us explore some of the reasons why you might get this error:

• File type: File Explorer may not support the file type. File Explorer only supports certain types of files, so if it doesn’t support the file type, it won’t open.
• Corrupted file: Damage of malware can prevent File Explorer from opening altogether. The state of the file will determine if the file will either open or not.
• Blocked file: Blocking files is indeed possible. Once the file is blocked, File Explorer won’t open it.
• File explorer error: There may be an issue with the File Explorer application. If File Explorer is not responding on your Windows 11, it may not be able to open files until resolved.
• Encrypted file: Encryption may be done on the file. If the file is encrypted, File Explorer won’t be able to open it. It may lead to Explorer.exe not responding on startup.
• File association: When a file type association is specified with an application, File Explorer will not open it.
• Storage location: When you store the file on an external drive and do not connect it, you may experience the error. You must connect the external drive before you can have access to it.
• Application conflict: Application conflict may cause the error. For instance, File Explorer may not be responding when opening Word.
• Outdated OS: If the operating system does not support the file type, File Explorer will not open it.

Now that some causes have been identified let us also identify workable solutions. We will see how to fix File Explorer not showing as well.

How to reset File Explorer in Windows 11

1. Firstly, click on the Windows icon on the Taskbar and then click the File Explorer icon.
   
2. Then, click on the ellipses at the top-right corner of the File Explorer display.
   
3. Now click on Options to open the Folder Options.
   
4. Under Folder Options, click on the View tab.
   
5. Then, click Reset Folders to reset File Explorer to its default view on the Folder views window.
   
6. Click Yes to confirm reset on the confirmation popup.
   
7. Finally, click on Ok to apply settings.
   

How can I fix File Explorer problems on Windows 11?

1. Run netsh and winsock reset

1. Firstly, simultaneously press the Windows + X key to open the Quick Link menu.
   
2. Now choose the Command Prompt (Admin) option from the menu.
   
3. Enter netsh in Command Prompt and press Enter.
   
4. Next, enter Winsock reset into Command Prompt and hit Enter.
5. When the process is finished, you’ll get a notification
6. Finally, restart your PC.

2. Update Windows

1. Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
   
2. Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
   
3. Now Windows will search for new Windows updates.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
5. Finally, restart your computer.

3. Update drivers

1. Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
   
2. Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
   
3. Now click Advanced Options. 
   
4. Then click on the Optional updates section.
   
5. Finally, select the Driver Updates section and Download and Install all the available updates.
   
6. Restart your PC.

4. End problematic app

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to start the Task Manager.
   
2. When it launches, locate the problematic app in the Processes tab, right-click on it, and click End task.
   
3. Check to see if the error is rectified.

5. Restart your PC

Restarting your PC can occasionally help improve performance, as it clears out any memory being used and allows programs to start up fresh. It can also help to resolve any software or hardware issues that might be causing your system to run slowly or become unresponsive.

Restarting your PC can also help install updates more efficiently and reset your PC’s settings if necessary. Don’t underestimate the need to restart your PC. It occasionally resolves issues, like 50% of the time.

6. Reset your PC

1. Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
   
2. Now click on System and them select Recovery.
   
3. Finally, under Reset this PC and click Reset PC.
   

7. Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

1. Click the Power icon on the login screen, hold Shift, and select Restart.
   
2. Choose Troubleshoot from the next menu options.
   
3. Select Advanced options.
   
4. Afterward, click Advanced options to access other options. Now click Startup Settings.
   
5. After that is done, click Restart.
   
6. Press 5 on your keyboard to start Safe Mode with Networking.
   

8. Reset Windows 11 to resolve File Explorer problems

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings dialog.
2. Scroll to the System section and click Recovery.
   
3. Then click on the Reset PC button.
   
4. Choose the desired option.
   
5. Choose your preferred reinstall type. Please use the Local reinstall.
   
6. Now verify your reinstall settings.
   
7. Select Reset to begin the process.
   
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.

9. Scan for malware

1. In the search box, search for Windows Security.
2. Click on the relevant search result to open the application.
   
3. Now click Virus & threat protection.
   
4. Next, click on the Scan options to view all available scans.
   
5. Choose the Full scan option and click the Scan now button to do a deep scan on your PC for viruses or malware.
   

10. Troubleshoot Hardware

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog. Then type in the code below and press Enter.
   msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
   
2. Now click Next to open the troubleshooter. Select the appropriate response to complete troubleshooting when prompted.
   
3. Check to see if the Windows 11 critical process died error has been resolved when the troubleshooting is complete.

In conclusion, file explorer problems can undoubtedly be complicated and time-consuming to troubleshoot, but with the right tools and knowledge, they can be resolved.

You can also consider using a professional software tool to scan and repair any errors causing the problem. Additionally, it is important to keep your computer updated with the latest security patches and software updates to ensure that the file explorer is running optimally.