Effective Solutions to Resolve the Windows 10 File Explorer Not Working Issue

How to Fix File Explorer Not Working in Windows 10

File Explorer is a crucial component of the Windows 10 operating system, allowing users to navigate, manage, and organize their files and folders. However, there may be instances when File Explorer stops working, causing frustration and inconvenience. In this article, we will discuss various methods to fix File Explorer not working in Windows 10.

1. Restart File Explorer

The simplest solution to fix File Explorer not working is to restart it. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
2. Select Task Manager from the list.
3. In the Task Manager window, go to the Processes tab.
4. Find “explorer.exe” in the list of processes.
5. Right-click on “explorer.exe” and select “End Task.” This will close File Explorer.
6. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc again to reopen Task Manager.
7. Go to the File menu and select “Run new task.” Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter.

2. Run System File Checker

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

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
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 attempt to repair them.
4. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated drivers or Windows updates can cause File Explorer to malfunction. To ensure that your system is up-to-date, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click on “Check for updates.” If any updates are available, download and install them.

4. Run the Windows troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix issues with File Explorer. To run it, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Scroll down and select “Additional troubleshooters.” Click on “Run the troubleshooter” for “File Explorer.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

5. Reset File Explorer settings

Resetting File Explorer settings to their default values can help resolve certain issues. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. Locate the “LaunchTo” key and double-click on it.
5. In the Value data field, change the value from “1” to “2” (Windows 10 version 1809 and later) or “0” (earlier versions).
6. Press OK and close the Registry Editor.
7. Restart your computer.

6. Uninstall and reinstall File Explorer

In some cases, uninstalling and reinstalling File Explorer can resolve the issue. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Apps and Features.”
2. Scroll down and find “Windows Explorer.” Click on it and select “Uninstall.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
4. Restart your computer.
5. After the restart, press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
6. In the PowerShell window, type “explorer.exe” and press Enter to reinstall File Explorer.

By following these methods, you should be able to fix File Explorer not working in Windows 10. If the issue persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional or contacting Microsoft support.