Windows 11 File Explorer Taking a VERY long time to open Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, etc.

Question

I am experiencing 2 issues when running Windows 11.

The first is slow shut down and shut off. I takes several minutes for Windows 11 to shut down and then another period of time for the PC to shut off.

I was on the phone with Microsoft Help and they remotely fixed the issue by creating a new profile. That worked for a few days and now the problem is back.

The second is that File Explorer is taking a very long time to open Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, etc.. I have tried the following with no change in the situation.

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.

Answer 1

The System event log is being bombarded with 400 entries per minute with these two entries:

The device, \Device\Harddisk4\DR4, has a bad block.

Encrypted volume check: Volume information on D: cannot be read.

Harddisk4 is "SanDisk Ultra Fit USB Device" as per the logs. That disk has gone bad.

Can you physically detach that drive and test?

Answer 2

Hi Jack,

I'm glad it's resolved. Thanks for the feedback. :)

Regards,

Answer 3

Here are some options for you to share the files:

OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer.com, FileTransfer.io.

Answer 4

Thank you, Ramesh

The clean boot did not change anything. It took me between 45 minutes and an hour just to access the event log files.

I have the 3 files now. Can you provide a direct link so that I can upload the 3 files?

Thanks, Jack

Answer 5

Hi Jack,

I'm Ramesh, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

Please try the clean boot procedure again, as new programs may have been added to the system since the last troubleshooting session.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-t...

If that doesn't help, please share the following event log files on OneDrive.

1. Event Log files:

"C:\windows\system32\winevt\logs\Application.evtx"

"C:\windows\system32\winevt\logs\System.evtx"

2. Msinfo log:

Run "msinfo32.exe", press Ctrl + S, and save it to an NFO log file.

Share the above three logs on OneDrive.

Share OneDrive files and folders - Microsoft Support:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/shar...