Can't open downloads

Question

Can't open downloads in File Explorer. This has been a recuring problem since I bought my computer in May. Usually restarting clears it. Tonight it didn't. I used the automated system and reset the properties. Nothing works.

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Answer 1

None of the online answers worked.

Answer 2

Hello, 

Thanks for getting in touch.

I'm sorry you're experiencing trouble. To help figure out what's wrong, does the folder not open because it gets stuck on a "Working on it" loading screen, or does File Explorer crash completely when you click on it? Are you also syncing your Downloads folder with a cloud service like OneDrive, or is it just on your computer's hard drive?

You can try these suggestions for now. If your Downloads folder won't open and resetting its settings didn't help,

If your Downloads folder is slow or not working, try these steps: To begin, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to restart Windows Explorer. Then, in Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose Restart. After that, go to File Explorer Options under the General tab and clear the history. To make sure the folder is ready for "General items," right-click it, choose Properties > Customize, and then apply the template to all of its subfolders. If it's still slow, open Command Prompt as an administrator and use DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and then sfc /scannow. Lastly, if the folder location is broken, right-click on Downloads, go to Properties, then Location, and select Restore Default.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Thank you,