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πŸ—‚οΈ File Explorer Not Responding


πŸ› οΈ How to Fix File Explorer Issues

If File Explorer freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive on Windows, it can prevent access to your files and folders. This guide provides step-by-step solutions for Windows, Mac, and Linux users experiencing similar file manager issues πŸ”§πŸ’».

1️⃣ Understanding the Problem

  • πŸ’‘ Causes include corrupted cache, system file errors, large directories, or third-party software conflicts
  • ⚠️ Frequent freezing or crashes may indicate malware or disk issues
  • πŸ–₯️ Symptoms: blank windows, spinning cursor, or β€œFile Explorer not responding” messages

2️⃣ Windows Solutions

2.1 Restart File Explorer

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Find Windows Explorer β†’ Right-click β†’ Restart

2.2 Clear File Explorer History

  1. Open Control Panel β†’ File Explorer Options
  2. Click Clear under Privacy β†’ Apply β†’ OK

2.3 Check for Corrupted System Files

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run:
    sfc /scannow
  3. If needed, run DISM:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

2.4 Disable Problematic Context Menu Items

  1. Use ShellExView to disable third-party context menu items
  2. Restart File Explorer and check if freezing stops

2.5 Check Disk for Errors

  1. Run:
    chkdsk C: /f /r /x
  2. Restart PC after completion

3️⃣ Mac Solutions

  1. Restart Finder: Option + Right-click Finder β†’ Relaunch
  2. Clear Finder caches:
    ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.finder
  3. Check disk with Disk Utility β†’ First Aid
  4. Ensure macOS is updated to the latest version

4️⃣ Linux Solutions

  1. Restart file manager (e.g., Nautilus, Dolphin):
    nautilus -q
  2. Clear cache:
    rm -rf ~/.cache/nautilus
  3. Check disk for errors:
    fsck /dev/sdXY
  4. Ensure proper permissions on home directory and files

πŸ“œ Summary Table of Actions

PlatformAction
WindowsRestart Explorer β†’ Clear history β†’ SFC & DISM β†’ Disable context menu items β†’ Check disk
MacRelaunch Finder β†’ Clear cache β†’ Disk Utility β†’ Update macOS
LinuxRestart file manager β†’ Clear cache β†’ fsck β†’ Check permissions

πŸ’‘ Tip: Keep File Explorer/Finder/Nautilus clean by avoiding large directories with thousands of files, and regularly update your system to prevent freezes βœ….
Italian Trulli
Posted on: September 10, 2025