File Explorer freezes: Causes and solution

Windows File Explorer is one of the most frequently used tools in the entire system: it's used to view photos and videos, play music, open documents, and more. Therefore, if File Explorer freezes, It is urgent to know what is happening and what the solution isToday we explain the common causes of freezing and what you can do to fix it.

File Explorer freezes: Causes and solution

The file explorer freezes for several reasons: system failures, poorly optimized extensions, outdated or corrupted video drivers, virus infections, etc.To fix this, you can try different methods, from simple actions like restarting your PC to running commands to troubleshoot like a pro. Let's look at the most common causes below.

File Explorer freezes: common causes

If your file explorer suddenly freezes, it might be because One of the files you are trying to open is corrupted or not compatible with the browser.It's also possible that the cache is corrupted or that the browsing history is completely full. Other common causes include:

• Outdated or damaged video driversWhen graphics, storage, or peripheral drivers are outdated, they can cause instability in the file explorer.
• Corrupted system files: files are missing or corrupted that are necessary for the proper functioning of the File Explorer.
• Context menu extensions: third-party programs or applications that can add extensions to the context menu (such as WinRAR(just to give one example), can cause conflicts.
• RAM or hard drive problemsBad sectors or lack of memory can explain why the file explorer freezes.
• Failed or incomplete Windows updatesIf an update does not complete or is installed incorrectly, this can cause the file explorer to crash or freeze.
• Overloaded file historyIf the file history is full, this can cause browser performance problems.

Of course, these are not the only reasons why the file explorer freezes, but they are the most common. Reviewing these aspects can guide you on what to do to solve the problem.Anyway, below we'll see the different solutions you can apply.

Solution when file explorer freezes

There are several things you can do to troubleshoot problems with your file explorer. First, try restarting your PCIf the problem is temporary, a simple restart might fix it. However, if you've already done that and the browser is still malfunctioning, try the following steps.

• Update video driversUse Device Manager, find the display adapter, right-click on it and select “Update driver”.
• Restart File ExplorerOpen Task Manager (right-click on the taskbar). In Processes, find Windows Explorer, right-click on it, and select Restart.
• The explorer's task is complete.If restarting Windows Explorer doesn't solve the problem, you can end its task from Task Manager. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select End task. You'll see your PC screen go black; don't worry! Click File > Run new task, type explorer.exe, and click OK.
• Disable third-party extensionsIdentify and disable any extensions you've recently installed. If the problem persists, reinstall them.
• Update WindowsVerify that your operating system has the latest updates installed. To do this, go to Settings – Windows Update – Check for updates – Install.

Other possible solutions to the problem

If the previous solutions don't unfreeze Windows File Explorer, here are some other helpful ideas. These include clearing the history, running commands, and reverting to a previous version of Windows. Let's take a look at these solutions.

• Clear history and cacheIf you can open the file explorer, click on the three dots to View more – Options – General – Clear history.
• Run a RAM memory testUse the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool by clicking Start, typing Memory Diagnostic, and selecting the result from the list. When the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool window appears, click Restart now and check for problems.
• Run the command sfc /scannowOpen Command Prompt as administrator by typing cmd in the Windows Start menu. Then, run the command sfc /scannow to scan for and repair corrupted system files. Wait for the process to complete, restart your PC, and check if the File Explorer problem is resolved.
• Revert to a previous version or uninstall the latest Windows updateIf File Explorer has been freezing recently or since the last update, you can uninstall the update using Windows Update. You can also revert to a previous restore point.
• Repair Windows without losing dataGo to Settings – System – Recovery – Reset this PC. Remember to choose the option to keep your files so you don't lose valuable information.
• Scan your PC for viruses or infectionsViruses and infections can cause problems with File Explorer. Use antivirus software to detect and remove any viruses that may be affecting your PC's performance.

File Explorer keeps freezing: can it be prevented?

As you can see, there isn't one specific measure you can take to prevent File Explorer from freezing, but there are some things you can do. practical ideas for being preparedFor example, unless absolutely necessary, avoid installing third-party software that modifies your browser. Additionally, it's wise to create regular backups so you can revert to a previous state at any time.

Also That's a good idea. Create an automatic restore point before each Windows updateThis will allow you to revert errors or correct problems that arise on your PC and have greater control in adverse situations (such as when Windows Explorer freezes) after a major update.

In short, if File Explorer freezes, there could be several reasons: system errors, conflicting extensions, or hardware problems. To fix it, you can restart the process in Task Manager, clear the history, update drivers, and run commands like scf. And don't forget that Keeping your system updated improves your computer's stability and prevents annoying interruptions.either with the Explorer or other relevant programs.