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unable to specifically open download folder, able to open explorer.exe normally however when attempting to open "downloads" folder, it just states it is working on it but unable to open.
i have tried
virus scanning
sfc/ scannow
clearing history files
optimizing files
unchecking privacy options and changing quick access to this pc
```this problem occured all of the sudden when i had to open my downloaded files to check what i had downloaded the day before, however it was operating fine (the downloads folder) when using it the day of when i downloaded files relating to gameplay mods.
edit;
was able to find out that "downloads" file is able to be opened via by different paths such as using "importing files" from different game launchers or websites.
quick access being changed to this pc does not work.
another edit:
computer was then rolled back to 1 week ago when "downloads" folder was working (yes i am very certain it was working last week). results are same, unable to open downloads folder.
was able to go to a random website and open access of the "downloads" folder when attempting to import a file. when "downloads" folder opened from file explorer. i was able to just delete the most recently downloaded file. problem was found and solved. problem was a possibly corrupted file i had downloaded. however found it weird it was not deleted when rolling back my system nor was it found via by sfc/ scannow for corrupted files.
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Hii.
If you created the download file with the same name, it must have conflicted with the directory.
I'm glad you managed to resolve the issue, you can always count on the Microsoft Q&A community.
Thanks
Hi,
Go to Windows Explorer > C: > Users > your username > check if there's a "Downloads" folder. If not, create a "Downloads" folder. If you have OneDrive configured, create it in the "Downloads" folder inside the "OneDrive" folder.
Then, open the command prompt (admin) and run the commands: sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. Wait for the process to finish and restart your computer.
Thanks
i did as instructed and was able to confirm that there is a downloads folder. it is not related to one drive. sfc scannow was done before and after. no changes in results. restore health was done. no changes in results as well.
AI answer
If you are unable to open the Downloads folder in Windows 10, it could be due to a corrupt registry setting or the folder's link becoming corrupt. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:
Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders.%USERPROFILE%\Downloads. If it is not, change it to this value.If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider checking for system updates or performing a system restore to a point when the Downloads folder was functioning correctly.
References: