Windows Explorer blocks when trying to open a file

Question

When trying to open a file with Windows Explorer on my Surface Pro X, nothing happens at all only a small blue rotating circle, which stops after a while without opening the file.

The diagnostic workset didn't find any problem and Windows 10 is up to date

Who can help me to solve this (annoying) problem

Answer 1

Hi, DolfEvG!

Thanks for reaching Microsoft Community and posting your concerns here. We are sorry to learn you have issues with your File Explorer in your Surface Pro X. May we know if this happens to all files? For the meantime, please perform the following troubleshooting steps.

Check for Windows Update:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates

Please restart your device to apply the updates.

Kindly visit this page to be guided on the steps to go through the System File Checker in Windows 10.

You may also force shutdown the device and restart it.

1. Press and hold the power button until the screen turns off (about 10 seconds), then release the power button.
2. Press and release the power button to turn your Surface back on. You should see the Microsoft logo.

If that doesn't work, here's how to make sure your Surface turns off completely:

Press and hold down the power button until your Surface restarts and you see the Windows logo screen (about 20 seconds), then release the power button.

If this answers your question, please let our Community know by marking this post as an answer. Otherwise, don't hesitate to respond to this thread if there’s anything else that needs to be addressed. 

Kind regards,                                                                                                                 

Janette_Z

Answer 2

Hi Janette_Z

Thanks for your kind reply

And yes it happens to all files (and pictuters etc.)

Windows 10 is up to date and I have restarted my Surface Proo X several times.

Also I tried some diagnostics tools already ...

So if you have any further suggestions would be nice

Thanks

Dolf

Answer 3

You're welcome, DolfEvG.

We're very sorry if the issue is still present. Kindly open your Windows/File Explorer.

Then open Task Manager.

At the Processes tab, you should see Windows Explorer. 

Long press or right-click on Windows Explorer, then select Restart.

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,

Janette_Z

Answer 4

Thanks Jeanette_Z

I've done that several times now, but still when opening Explorer and clicking on any file still gives the same problem: a small blue continuous turning circle and nothing more.

The effect of this (since yesyterday) is that my expensive Surface Pro X is unusable now, so I would be very happy if somebody could help me out here.

Thanks in advance

DolfEvG

Answer 5

We're very sorry to learn about this, DolfEvG.

Kindly download thisin-place upgrade. Downloading the tool will re-install missing drivers and repair those that are corrupted. It will not delete files nor remove the applications you already installed. Just click the "Download Tool Now" button, run and install then click Nextonce you see "Upgrade This PC".

Regards,

Janette_Z