Can’t open file explorer Windows 10? This is a common issue that many Windows 10 users encounter. File Explorer is an essential tool for managing files and folders on your computer, and when it stops working, it can be quite frustrating. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons behind this problem and provide you with some effective solutions to fix it.
There are several reasons why you might be unable to open File Explorer on your Windows 10 computer. Some of the most common causes include corrupted system files, outdated drivers, third-party applications interfering with File Explorer, or even hardware issues. In the following sections, we will explore these causes and provide step-by-step instructions to help you resolve the problem.
1. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run this tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key and type “cmd” in the search box.
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
- In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
- Restart your computer and try opening File Explorer again.
2. Update Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause File Explorer to malfunction. To update your drivers, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key and type “Device Manager” in the search box.
- Open Device Manager and expand the category that corresponds to your hardware (e.g., Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.).
- Right-click on the problematic device and select “Update driver.”
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer and check if File Explorer is working correctly.
3. Disable Third-Party Applications
Some third-party applications may interfere with File Explorer and prevent it from opening. To disable these applications, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key and type “Task Manager” in the search box.
- Open Task Manager and go to the “Startup” tab.
- Disable any applications that you suspect may be causing the issue by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
- Restart your computer and try opening File Explorer again.
4. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if a third-party application is causing the problem. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key and type “msconfig” in the search box.
- Open System Configuration and go to the “Services” tab.
- Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box and click “Disable all.”
- Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
- Disable all startup items by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
- Restart your computer and try opening File Explorer again.
5. Check for Hardware Issues
In some cases, hardware issues such as a failing hard drive or memory problems can cause File Explorer to fail. To check for hardware issues, follow these steps:
- Use a disk-checking tool like CHKDSK to scan your hard drive for errors.
- Perform a memory diagnostic test to check for memory issues.
- Replace any faulty hardware components if necessary.
In conclusion, if you’re unable to open File Explorer on your Windows 10 computer, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to managing your files and folders with ease.
