Windows 11, Windows Explorer becoming "Not Responding" after opening and clicking anything. This hasn't been an issue up to recently, how do I fix?

Hello, Jerry Ortiz1

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

Thank you for your feedback. I have carefully read the information and problem description you provided. You mentioned that there is a problem with your File Explorer, and when you open a file, the Explorer becomes unhelpful.

I understand that this problem has caused you trouble. Don't worry, you can also try the following methods to troubleshoot the error, which may help you.

Method 1. Restart File Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

In Task Manager, find "Windows Explorer" (it may be in the "Processes" tab or the "Details" tab). Right-click "Windows Explorer" and select "Restart".

Method 2. Clear File Explorer history. Sometimes, cache problems can also cause File Explorer to become unresponsive.

Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

Click the "View" tab, and then click "Options".

In the "General" tab, click the "Clear" button to clear the File Explorer history.

Method 3. Disable items in Quick Access

Items in Quick Access can sometimes cause File Explorer to freeze.

Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

Click the View tab, then click Options.

In the Privacy section, uncheck the Show recently used files and Show frequently used folders options.

Click the Clear button, then click OK.

Method 4. Run SFC and DISM commands to repair system files

Press Win + X or right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Enter and run the SFC command:

sfc /scannow

This command will scan all protected system files and replace damaged ones. This process may take some time, so be patient.

DISM can repair problems in Windows image files and is the next step when SFC cannot repair files.

Continue using the Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Enter and run the following commands:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands will check and fix problems in the Windows image file. /RestoreHealth You may need to connect to the Internet to download and replace damaged files.

Method 5. I noticed that you tried to repair the system using the ISO file, but something went wrong. I suggest you follow the method given below to do this, which may solve the problem.

Visit the official Microsoft website, Download Windows 11

Use the installation tool to create a USB installation disk or ISO file.

Insert the USB installation disk or mount the ISO file, and then run setup.exe.

Select the "Upgrade this PC" option and click "Next".

Make sure the "Keep personal files and apps" option is selected, and then click "Install".

The process may take some time, please be patient.

Disclaimer: Let's try to perform an in-place upgrade, which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without deleting files or applications. However, if there is important data on the computer, we still recommend backing it up in advance.

Best regards

Brian - Microsoft Community Support Specialist

I just encountered something similar but it was limited to opening 'this pc' and seemed to be resolved with a system restart.