File Explorer Not Loading

Question

I've been having issues with my laptop for awhile now. Normally, it won't complete updates and I have to do a full reset. This time, it updated properly, but I tried to do updates because whenever I try to open a folder, file Explorer won't load. I pops up the window, but it's all white and nothing shows up in it. My question is, how do I get my files off this computer to do a reset? I've tried doing a reset and keeping my files, but it gets almost to the end and tells me there's an error.

Answer 1

I see thanks, If none will work from the above solution, I suggest to do an in-place upgrade wherein it will upgrade the device to the latest version and repair all issues without deleting any files.

Note: Before doing this make sure to create a restore point: https://support.microsoft.com/en-hk/help/402753...

1. go to this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...
2. Select the Download tool, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
3. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
4. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now and then select Next.
5. After downloading and installing, it should fix the issue.

Reference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Answer 2

Hi and thanks for reaching out. My name is Bernard a Windows fan like you. I'll be happy to help you out today.

I actually experience the same issue as before, and the troubleshooting steps provided below fixed my issue:

Method 1. Clear cache of File explorer

-Open Run Command ( Press Windows key + R)

-Copy, paste then click ok the file path below:

C:\Users%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Delete everything inside the AutomaticDestinations folder

-Restart PC and check

Method 2. Do clean boot:

A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program.

• In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.
• On the Services tab of System Configuration, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable all.
• On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.
• Under Startup in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then select Disable.
• Close Task Manager.
• On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK. When you restart the computer, it's in a clean boot environment.

troubleshooting reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135...

Let me know how does it go and I hope that helps.

Bernard

Independent Advisor

Answer 3

I tried your method, but everything that should have been selected was already selected, so the restart at the end didn't fix it.

Answer 4

I couldn't do your first method, as it ultimately opened up a folder and none of my folders will open, which is the problem I'm trying to fix. The second method didn't fix anything.

Answer 5

Hello, 

Try resetting File Explorer (explorer.exe) process: 

1. Press Windows Key + R and type SYSDM.CPL in Run. Click OK or press Enter key. 
2. In System Properties window, switch to Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance. 
3. Next, in Performance Options, under Processor scheduling, make sure that Adjust for best performance of: is set to Programs. 
4. Then in the same window, under Virtual memory, click Settings button. 
5. On Virtual Memory page, make sure Automatically manage paging file sizes for all drives option is checked. Click OK, then Apply, OK on rest of windows. 
6. Reboot the machine and see if issue is resolved now. 

Let us know if this helps! 

Reference: https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-file-explorer-not-working-in-windows-10

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.