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Treysil's avatar
Treysil
Iron Contributor
Mar 03, 2025

Windows 11 Explorer VERY slow

By the beginning of this year, I went through the process of reinstalling Windows 11(Home) entirely. The OS is installed on a SSD. File indexing is done. For some reason, Windows Explorer hangs (in ...
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AxelMemphis's avatar
AxelMemphis
Iron Contributor
Mar 14, 2025

1. Check for system updates: Open Settings > Windows Update to check for and install the latest system updates.
The update may contain performance optimizations and bug fixes.
2. Disable unnecessary startup items:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Switch to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary startup programs.
3. Optimize File Explorer settings:
Open File Explorer and click View > Options.
In “Folder Options”, select “General” tab, uncheck “Show recently used files in Quick Access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick Access”. Show frequently used folders in quick access”.
In the “View” tab, check “Open folder windows in a separate process”.
4. Clear File Explorer history:
Open File Explorer and click View > Options.
In the “General” tab, click the “Clear” button to clear the File Explorer history.

  • Greatauntire's avatar
    Greatauntire
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 16, 2025

    Hello. I have been having an issue with file explorer. It will not open any of my folders no what I do. I’ve tried restarting my computer, restarted my Internet, did the sfc/scannow, stopped and restarted my file explorer. Nothing is working. It says at the bottom of the screen that it will be available when I’m online. Or it will just spin endlessly. I also think I lost my one drive files. What do I do now?

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