Troubleshooting the Malfunctioning File Explorer- Why It’s Not Working and How to Fix It

Why Isn’t My File Explorer Working?

File explorer is an essential tool for navigating and managing files on your computer. However, encountering issues with your file explorer can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry or need to access important files. If you’re wondering why your file explorer isn’t working, this article will help you identify and resolve common problems.

1. Corrupted System Files:

One of the most common reasons why your file explorer might not be working is corrupted system files. These files are crucial for the proper functioning of your operating system, including the file explorer. To fix this issue, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. Here’s how to do it:

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 attempt to repair them.
4. Restart your computer and check if the file explorer is working.

2. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers:

Outdated or corrupted drivers can also cause issues with your file explorer. To resolve this, you can update or reinstall your drivers. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list.
2. Expand the “Disk drives” category and right-click on your hard drive.
3. Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Alternatively, you can uninstall the driver and then reinstall it to fix any corrupted files.

3. Conflicting Software:

Some third-party applications can interfere with the file explorer, causing it to malfunction. To identify and resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Temporarily disable or uninstall any recently installed software.
2. Check if the file explorer works after disabling or uninstalling the software.
3. Reinstall the software if necessary, ensuring that it’s compatible with your operating system.

4. File Explorer Settings:

It’s possible that your file explorer settings are causing the issue. To check and modify these settings, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “File Explorer Options” from the list.
2. In the “View” tab, uncheck the “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” option.
3. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
4. Restart your computer and check if the file explorer is working.

5. Reinstall File Explorer:

If none of the above solutions work, you can try reinstalling the file explorer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Programs and Features” from the list.
2. Select “Turn Windows features on or off” from the left pane.
3. Scroll down and expand “Windows Features,” then uncheck “File Explorer” and click “OK.” This will disable the file explorer.
4. Restart your computer, then enable the file explorer by repeating the steps above but checking the “File Explorer” option instead.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your file explorer. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional or contacting Microsoft support.