Files explorer extremely slow to load..

Question

The files explorer in my brand new Windows Surface laptop is extremely slow to load. Each time I click on the files explorer icon in the task bar at the bottom, it takes several seconds and on occasions up to a minute to load. This is not a folder-specific problem as this occurs right at the outset when opening the file explorer. Once it opens, it functions and responds normally, but opening it each time (even after a few minutes since last look-up) takes several seconds to display the contents.

Notably, 80% of my disk space is free and my contents are less than 20% of the overall disk space and it simply doesn't make sense as to why loading files explorer should take several seconds. I have attached a screenshot for what it's worth. Why is it slow and what is the remedy?

***Windows / Windows 11 / Performance and system failures***

Answer 1

Hi Yadunath S

We value your contribution to the Microsoft Community. I understand that dealing with a slow File Explorer can be quite frustrating. Let’s explore some potential remedies to improve its performance:

1. Go to settings>Apps> Installed Apps>Click on the 3 dots under Microsoft Edge> Then click on Modify> then follow the prompt.
2. Restart File Explorer:
   • Sometimes, restarting File Explorer can resolve performance issues. Here’s how you can do it:
     • Right-click on an empty space in your taskbar (or the Start menu icon if you’re using Windows 11).
     • Choose Task Manager from the context menu.
     • Stay on the Processes tab.
     • Click on Windows Explorer from your open applications, and then click the Restart task button.
     • Wait for File Explorer to restart.
3. Clear File Explorer Cache:
   • Cached data can sometimes slow down File Explorer. Clearing the cache might help:
     • Open File Explorer on your PC.
     • Select the three dots at the top of the window and choose Options.
     • Click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history.
     • Close and reopen all your File Explorer windows.
4. Check for Background Services:
   • Some background services might be affecting File Explorer’s performance. You can disable non-essential services:
     • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
     • Locate Windows Explorer in the list of processes.
     • Right-click it and choose Restart.
5. System Configuration (msconfig):
   • You can also try the following steps:
     • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
     • Type msconfig and click OK to open System Configuration.
     • On the Services tab, check Hide All Microsoft Services and click Disable All.
     • Click Apply and OK.
     • Restart your computer.

If these solutions do not work, you can try running the System File Checker tool to scan for and repair any corrupted system files. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Christopher.

Answer 2

The files explorer in my brand new Windows Surface laptop is extremely slow to load. Each time I click on the files explorer icon in the task bar at the bottom, it takes several seconds and on occasions up to a minute to load. This is not a folder-specific problem as this occurs right at the outset when opening the file explorer. Once it opens, it functions and responds normally, but opening it each time (even after a few minutes since last look-up) takes several seconds to display the contents.

Notably, 80% of my disk space is free and my contents are less than 20% of the overall disk space and it simply doesn't make sense as to why loading files explorer should take several seconds. I have attached a screenshot for what it's worth. Why is it slow and what is the remedy?

***Windows / Windows 11 / Performance and system failures***

Do you have any mapped drives?

It could be taking its time to validate your credentials.

try removing mapped drives and see if that performs better.

you can try remapping with the correct creds after.

Answer 3

Hello Yadunath S

We haven't heard from you, so we assume that your issue has already been addressed. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question (microsoft.com) Thank you for understanding.

 Regards,

Christopher

Answer 4

Hi Chris

I apologize for not responding sooner. Yes, the problem appears to have been resolved. I didn't have a need for 1,2 and 4. I removed the history or cache as in 3 and the msconfig thing as stated in 5. My guess is that the steps mentioned in 5 possibly did the trick. Much appreciated your help.

Thanks a lot,

Yadunath

Answer 5

Uninstalling Microsoft Edge and rebooting fixed the problem for me.

I guess it must have removed some internal hooks unnecessary for browsing files locally on your computer.