How to Fix File Explorer Opening Slow

How to Fix File Explorer Opening Slow – Efficient Methods for Speedy Access

Experiencing a slow opening File Explorer can really dampen your productivity levels, not to mention increase your stress levels. This article aims to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix the issue of your File Explorer opening slow. Whether it's caused by an overloaded Quick Access Cache or a system malfunction, let us dive into some of the effective solutions.

The first step to start with would always be the good ole' system restart. This can often fix a multitude of issues where certain functions aren't working as expected.

Restart Your System

Restarting your system allows it to clear out any active process that might be affecting the performance, and start anew. It's as simple as hitting the Start button, clicking on the Power option, and choosing 'Restart' from the dropdown menu.

However, if this doesn't solve your problem, then I encourage you to proceed to the next potential solution.

Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer keeps a record of all your recently accessed files and folders. Over time, this history can become so large that it starts to affect the performance. Here is how to clear it:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click on the "File" tab and select "Change folder and search options."

3. Under the "General" tab in the "Privacy" section, click on the "Clear" button. This will erase File Explorer history and possibly speed up its loading time.

If clearing File Explorer History doesn’t help, don’t worry, we have more potential solutions.

Disable Quick Access

Quick Access is a feature that automatically pins your most frequently accessed folders. While useful, it can sometimes slow down the File Explorer. Here's how to disable it:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click on the "File" tab and select "Change folder and search options."

3. Under the "General" tab, where it says 'Open File Explorer to:', select 'This PC.'

4. Click 'Clear' in the Privacy section to clear your Quick Access history.

If these easy fixes still aren't speeding up File Explorer, it's time to try something a little more advanced.

Run System File Checker

Sometimes your system files can become corrupted, which can cause File Explorer to run slowly. Running a System File Checker tool can potentially fix this. Here's how:

1. Right-click on Start and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

2. Type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter.

3. The System File Checker will begin scanning your system for corrupted files and repairing them.

In conclusion, a slow running File Explorer doesn't have to hinder your productivity. We've provided you various solutions to help you get your application running at an optimal speed again. Happy computing!