File Explorer

Question

The file explorer doesn't open just comes up with a message

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Could you please share the exact error message you receive when you open the File Explorer?

Open the task manager and restart the Windows Explorer process. If the issue persists,

• Open the command prompt as Administrator.
• Run the commands one by one and click Enter for each command.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

Once completed, restart your computer and open the File Explorer.

If you still receive an error, please share the screenshot of the error message here.

Answer 2

Try these steps in order on Windows 11 to fix File Explorer not opening:

1. Check for Windows updates
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Select Check for updates.
   3. Install all available updates and restart the PC.
2. Restart the PC Even if no updates are shown as requiring a restart, restart the device to ensure any pending updates are fully applied.
3. Check system files for corruption
   1. Click Start, type cmd.
   2. In the results, right‑click cmd.exe and select Run as administrator.
   3. At the command prompt, type:

            sfc /scannow
      

      and press Enter.
   4. Wait for the scan to complete; it will repair missing or corrupted system files if possible.
   5. Restart the PC and try opening File Explorer again (Windows logo key + E).
4. If still not working, reset the PC If File Explorer still will not open after updates, restart, and SFC repair, reset the PC while keeping files:
   • Follow the guidance in Recovery options in Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/recovery-options-in-windows-31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5

If File Explorer continues to fail after these steps, send feedback with details of the error message via Feedback Hub so the issue can be investigated.

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References:

• Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start
• Error: Windows Explorer has stopped working

Answer 3

Hello,

Suggest you to run System File Checker scan:

1. Search for 'command prompt' using Cortana or Windows Search.
2. From results, right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow command and press Enter key.
4. Let the command complete and then reboot the machine.

If issue still persists, perform clean boot:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows

Let us know if this helps!