Get Help with File Explorer in Windows: 6 Common Fixes

Diagnose and fix your problems with Windows File Explorer

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: March 14, 2026 Fact Checked

Do you need help with Windows File Explorer? If you're having issues using or launching the application, it's easy to get it working again! Here's how to troubleshoot the File Explorer in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Fixing File Explorer in Windows

If File Explorer isn't working on your Windows device, make sure it's fully updated. Open the Task Manager, select Windows Explorer, and then select Restart to reset it. Use the System File Checker tool to find and repair any corrupted files.

1

Check for updates.

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Make sure your Windows computer is up to date. Since File Explorer is a built-in Windows tool, you'll need to install system updates regularly when they arrive. If the error is due to Microsoft, updates will ensure the File Explorer performs regularly again.^{[1]
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Go to source} To check for updates, do the following:
- Click the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any new updates.
- Restart your computer.

2

Restart File Explorer.

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Force-restart the File Explorer. If your File Explorer isn't opening or responding, you can easily restart it using the Task Manager. This has a different name in the Task Manager, so be sure to select the correct process. Do the following:
- Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Find and select Windows Explorer.
- Click Restart task at the top.

3

Clear File Explorer's history.

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If you search often in the File Explorer, the cache may have gotten corrupted over time. When you clear the File Explorer history, you won't see any past searches in the search fields or address bar. Do the following:
- Open the Start menu.
- Type "file explorer options" and click File Explorer Options.
- Click the General tab.
- Click Clear under the Privacy header.

4

Use the System File Checker tool.

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Windows has a built-in tool called the System File Checker (SFC) that can help scan and detect corrupted system files. If you have a lot of files and data, this process may take some time.^{[2]
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Go to source} Be sure your computer remains on for the entire scanning process. To open and use the System File Checker tool, do the following:
- Open the Start menu and type "cmd".
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to reach 100% completion.
- Restart your computer after corrupted files are found.

5

Reset File Explorer folders.

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Reset the File Explorer folders to their default settings. If you recently changed some settings in File Explorer, it may have affected its performance. Luckily, you can easily revert the changes to the default settings. Do the following:
- Open the Start menu.
- Type "file explorer options" and click File Explorer Options.
- Click the General tab.
- Click Restore Defaults at the bottom.

6

Reset your PC.

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If all else fails, consider resetting your PC. You can fully reset it, use a System Restore point, or reinstall Windows. Be sure to back up all your data before doing so; resetting your computer will erase all files and data on it.^{[3]
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