Folder Problems

Question

Right so when I go to go on File Explorer it says working on it and the cursor turns into a blue loading thing and when i go to close it, it says that it isn't responding then removes my taskbar and my screen goes all grey, i have tried doing ALT + F4 but it doesn't work.

For windows 10 by the way

Answer 1

Hi @Declan Mckinlay

If File Explorer gets stuck on "Working on it", becomes unresponsive, and causes the taskbar to disappear or the screen to turn grey, it is often related to a corrupted File Explorer cache, a problematic Quick Access entry, or damaged system files.

Please try the following:

➜ Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

➜ Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.

➜ If File Explorer still freezes, open Task Manager → File → Run new task, type control folders, and press Enter.

➜ Under the General tab, set Open File Explorer to: This PC instead of Quick Access, then click Clear under Privacy.

➜ Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete and repair any corrupted system files.

➜ After that, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

and restart the PC.

Could you also let us know:

➜ Does the issue occur every time you open File Explorer or only when opening a specific folder?

➜ Did this start after a Windows update, software installation, or any recent changes?

➜ Are you able to open folders through "This PC" or does File Explorer freeze immediately after launch?

These details will help determine whether the issue is related to File Explorer, a specific folder location, or Windows system files.

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