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I cannot open any folders on my Windows 11 after latest update.

Anonymous
2025-02-12T22:15:15+00:00

I can't open folders in any way. I tried double clicking them, right clicking then choosing "open", nothing works. i can open file explorer but i can't open up any folders. There are no error popups or anything.

I tried:

-Restarting file explorer

-Ending the file explorer task then manually running it again

-Running the System File Checker

-Restarting my PC (twice.)

-Reinstalling the latest windows update

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-13T06:38:58+00:00

    Dear ANA,

    Hello! Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

    It looks like you are having a major issue after the update and files in Windows Explorer are not opening. I understand! I will do my best to help you.

    First you can run a clean boot to exclude third-party applications and check if the problem persists. If so, it is likely that the latest update has a compatibility issue with your device. It is recommended that you roll back the update and then temporarily disable updates for a while.

    Try to use clean startup, and check whether the problem still appears after eliminating the influence of third-party soft armor and services. If the problem is solved, you can follow the steps of clean startup to find the problematic software.

    How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

    Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.

    These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step so that it will help you get you back on track.

    1. Uninstall the update: Open "Settings", click "Windows Update", click "Update History", scroll down, find "Uninstall Updates", then find the updates you recently made and uninstall them. Restart your computer and see if the problem is alleviated.
    2. Roll back the version: Open "Settings", click "Windows Update", click "Update History", scroll down, find "Recovery", check if there is a "Go Back" option, which should be available if you updated within ten days.
    3. Check the system restore point. Search and open "Recovery", then click "Open System Restore". Follow the instructions and check if there are any available restore points. If you have one, consider using it. But be aware that a system restore point will reset your computer to the state it was in at that point. Any changes you made during that time will be deleted.

    Feel free to let me know if you make any progress.

    Best wishes

    Pyke.D | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-13T13:47:17+00:00

    The clean boot solution worked, and I figured out which program was causing it, thank you!

    For those wondering what program is currently causing this issue: it's Windowblinds 11.

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-06T17:39:28+00:00

    D. Pyke, right after my Windows 11 Update on April 24, 2025, I am suddenly unable to open a folder which has worked fine for 10+ years.

    The error is "Location is not available" and "Access denied". These are important files and I need to get access back somehow.

    What is going on?

    Paul Kehren

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-14T22:36:17+00:00

    Suddenly after being open files from explorer successfully yesterday, I lost that ability today. These files are very easily opened up from backup harddrive from another computer.

    I used windows update, spybot S&D, malware bytes, ccleaner, restarted device, clearef file explorer history, etc. I am not a computer geek, I do not understand SFC and DISM files, restoring explorer, clean boot PC, etc.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-02-14T04:55:26+00:00

    Dear ANA,

    I'm glad to see that your problem has been solved, my friend! If you think my reply is helpful to you, you can submit your feedback by clicking "Yes" or "No" below the valid answer. We value your feedback, which is very important for our customers' evaluation. In addition, this can also give back to the community and help more people with the same problem to find the topic quickly.

    If you have any updates, please let me know at any time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I wish you a happy life!

    Best wishes

    Pyke.D | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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