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File Explorer keeps crashing when Downloads is opened

Anonymous
2022-08-12T22:00:25+00:00

I don't know why but File Explorer keeps crashing when it's supposed to open Downloads. The other functions, such as Documents, Pictures, and more all work except for Downloads. I need help ASAP!

https://t.co/jOIsNkagjy

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-08-13T01:17:59+00:00

    Hello TrashPanda999

    Thank you for updating me with that information. I apologize that the above methods did not resolve the issue.

    Open File Explorer. Right-click on the “Downloads” folder and select “Properties”.

    Select the “Customize” tab.

    Under “Optimize this folder” option, select “General items” from the drop-down menu.

    Tick on the “Also apply this template to all subfolders” option.

    Press Apply then Ok button to save the recent changes.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

    500+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2022-08-13T01:23:41+00:00

    Hi there,

    New update: I got the Downloads folder to work! I went into the Properties tab of the Downloads and found that the folders and files inside Downloads were set to "Read-only" for some reason. I unselected the "Read-only" option, and found all of my Downloads had recovered and can be accessed safely

    Thanks,

    TrashPanda999

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-08-13T02:37:49+00:00

    Hello TrashPanda999,

    Thank you for updating me and sharing that information. Glad to hear the issue has been resolved.

    You're welcome and have a great weekend.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-08-13T01:12:11+00:00

    Hi there,

    Here's the update about my Downloads. Apparently, none of the tasks that you listed above are currently working for me, so Downloads still launches as "File Explorer (Not responding)".

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-08-12T22:32:15+00:00

    Hello TrashPanda999,

    Good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you. When was the last time it worked properly?

    Please try the following methods below.

    **Restart Windows Explorer

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

    Select the Processes tab.

    Scroll down and select Windows Explorer, Right click then select Restart.

    **Check for updates

    Select Start > Settings > Windows Update. Select Check for updates. Install any available and pending updates and restart your device.

    **Please try to run DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/usi...

    After that, restart your computer using clean boot of Windows 10.

    **Perform a Clean Boot

    Determine whether a background program or a software conflict is causing the issue.

    Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: msconfig

    Press Enter

    Select System Configuration > go to the Services tab.

    Select and make sure to put a check mark on "Hide all Microsoft services"

    Click Disable all.

    Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all the unnecessary services running there. Restart your computer.

    Please check the support article at the link below for more details.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-t...

    Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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