Why is File Explorer not opening on Windows?

If File Explorer is not opening on Windows or is taking forever, the corrupt cache is the most probable cause. Here are some other possible reasons:

Misconfigured display settings – Incompatible screen resolution settings on Windows are possible reasons why File Explorer fails to launch. Malfunctioning third-party antivirus – Third-party antivirus software, especially free ones, interferes with the system and prevents File Explorer from opening on Windows. Corrupt system files – Corrupt or broken system files cause your PC to behave erratically and can be why you are unable to launch File Explorer. Operating system bugs – Bugs are a common sight in Windows, and they can hamper the File Explorer app functionality. Excess File Explorer cache – File Explorer cache gets accumulated over time and, if not deleted, grows in size and causes issues in the File Explorer app.

If you are one of those troubled with the File Explorer not opening issue, you are at the right place. Implement the solutions provided in this guide to resolve the underlying problems.

How do I fix File Explorer not opening issue?

Before employing the troubleshooting methods listed below, make sure to perform the following actions:

Restart your Windows PC. Install all the available Windows updates. Scan your computer with Windows Defender or any other third-party antivirus.

If these preliminary methods didn’t fix the problem, let’s go to the actual solutions to remedy the situation.

1. Restart File Explorer

Windows Explorer is the background app responsible for managing the functionality of File Explorer and related components. File Explorer will not open on your computer if the process encounters a problem; restarting the process will help.

2. Modify the Display settings

If the Scale and layout settings are already set to recommended, choose a different value and then reselect the option recommended for your computer. Incorrect scale and display resolution for your PC is a very common cause of why Windows is incompetent in performing the intended action. Hence, restoring the settings to default values is an effective way to fix the File Explorer not opening problem. However, if you are unable to change the screen resolution, check out our dedicated guide.

3. Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer stores cache files to respond promptly to your search queries. If these files are not deleted periodically, they accumulate and cause more harm than good.

4. Run SFC and DISM scan

Do not exit the terminal window until the DISM tool scans the Windows image and repairs them. If you’re unsure about performing the SFC and DISM scan manually, you can try dedicated software, such as Restoro, to help you repair corrupt files by automatically replacing them with healthy parts from its online vault.

5. Restore the File Explorer settings

6. Reinstall the File Explorer app

Wait until File Explorer, along with other Windows apps, is reinstalled on your computer, and then restart your system. This solution will replace the corrupt or broken installation files if they were the reason why File Explorer was not opening on your PC.

7. Clean boot your computer

Now try opening File Explorer on your Windows PC. If you are successful, it means some third-party apps are interfering with the File Explorer functionality. You can refer to this guide to uninstall apps from Windows. Employ the above-mentioned solutions to repair the File Explorer not opening on your Windows PC issue. However, if the problem persists, you can check out the best File Manager apps for Windows offering better organizational and accessibility features. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, please write them down in the comments section below.

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