a fix for specifically THIS PC keeps 'not responding'

Hi JosephPHILIPPA,

Good day! This is Jhakesong an Independent Advisor and I will be happy to assist you with this.

This could possibly be caused by corrupted explorer files. Let's try to run a fix and see if makes a difference.

Run System File Checker

1. Press Windows key + S, this will open search
2. Type cmd, run command prompt as administrator
3. Enter this command and press enter: sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the process to finish and reboot your computer.
5. Check if the issue still persists.

Run windows image fix

1. Press Windows key + S, this will open search
2. Type cmd, run command prompt as administrator
3. Enter this command and press enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Wait for the process to finish and reboot your computer.
5. Check if the issue still persists.

Also, If I may ask, is your hard drive running low on space? This could be a factor too when these not responding issues occur. I suggest running diskcleanup

1. Press Windows key + S, this will open search
2. Type diskcleanup and press enter

If the above doesn't make any difference, try to create another user account. Login to that and see if the same issue occurs.

Let me know how it goes. Have a great day!

Ten minutes later the problem is back.

Hi JosephPHILIPPA,

I understand. Let me open this question to the rest of the experts so they can provide fresh insights on this issue. Thank you so much and have a great day.

x32Win10ProV20h2

No changes I can remember.

The Explorer Troubleshooter does not SEEM applicable - never the less I will try it and report afterwards.

The Clean Boot is an enormously tedious process of trial and error. I was hoping for guidance to a LIKELY cause. I re-emphasise - it is NOT Windows Explorer that is failing, but its THIS PC incarnation.

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that you’re facing issues with Windows Explorer on your PC, and I certainly appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve the issue.

We will certainly look into this for you.

For further clarity on the issue, please respond to the questions below:

1. Which build version of Windows 10 are you using currently?
2. Are you aware of any changes made to the PC prior to which you weren’t facing this issue?

Refer the article Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Meanwhile, I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below and see if that helps.

Method 1: Troubleshoot Explorer

Try running the troubleshooter for Windows Explorer and see if that helps. Refer the article Automatically diagnose and repair Windows file and folder problems

Method 2: Perform Clean Boot

Try booting the PC in Clean Boot and see if Windows Explorer fine. Refer the article How to perform a clean boot in Windows

Performing a clean boot will start thecomputer with minimal set of drivers and programs, to determine whether abackground program is causing the issue. Some of the Startup programs will notload after performing a clean boot on the computer. However, that functionalitywill return when you reset the computer to start normally after finishing thetroubleshooting.

If Windows Explorer is working fine after performing Clean Boot, then please refer the section How to determine what iscausing the problem after you do a clean bootto identify the root cause of the issue.

Note: Please refer thesection Reset the computer to start normally after clean boottroubleshootingto boot the computer in to normal mode aftertroubleshooting

Method 3: Create a new user account

Test the issue on new user account and see if Windows Explorer is working fine. Refer the article Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10

Let us know if you need any further assistance, we will be glad to assist you.

Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator