File Explorer Unstable

Question

Symptoms:

I first noticed that the thumbnails for my picture files weren't displaying. Then I found that they weren't previewing either. After changing the folder view settings to see what would happen, the folder view settings greyed out and were unresponsive. Closing and opening File Explorer once or twice resulted in the navigation pane not showing anything other than the Quick Access. After that, icons of running apps started going blank on the taskbar.

Things I've done:

1. Cleared thumbnail cache.
2. Checked view settings.
3. Run a system scan (sfc /scannow). This said that it fixed a few problems.
4. Restarted Windows Explorer task - several times.
5. Scanned for viruses (Avast and Malwarebytes)
6. Rebooted.

Rebooting makes it work for a short time, then it starts acting up again the same way. Interestingly, I found that Open and Save forms seems to work okay.

This is what Explorer seems to be stuck on:

Answer 1

Hi Jim. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

1. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

If the problem repeats then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

2. Right click Start button to open Task Manager, show More Details, then choose Processes tab, scroll down to Windows Processes, then further down to Windows Explorer. Right click to Restart Explorer, then Restart PC.
3. Try turning off Explorer dark mode to see if it makes a difference in troubleshooting; if so it could mean the display driver needs updating:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft...

4. Try these fixes for Explorer:

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-file-explorer-not...

https://superuser.com/questions/1274763/windows...

https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/30842...

https://www.slashgear.com/windows-10-version-19...

https://ugetfix.com/ask/how-to-fix-file-explore...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-explorer...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/thumbnail-previe..

5. If none of the above work then the problem may go to the Windows system.  Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows\_10-performance/windows-10-performance-and-install-integrity/75529fd4-fac7-4653-893a-dd8cd4b4db00

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account.  Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly. 

6. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker.  Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button.  Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

7) If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now.  This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems.   http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.