4 Fixes When the Windows File Explorer Stuck at ‘Working on It’

Quick Tips

• Most people will encounter this problem because of corrupted Quick Access entries; deleting these files will help.
• Fixing issues with File Explorer and the search indexer are also efficient solutions.

Basic Fixes:

• Update Windows: It’s nice to start with a Windows Update since this will fix minor glitches that may trigger the problem.
• Check connection issues with external devices: If you haven’t connected the external drive properly, your drive folders may show files and folders. You should reconnect the external drive. If your Windows PC doesn’t detect a hard drive, read our troubleshooting post to fix the problem.
• Run a malware scan: You should run a malware scan since the problem may be triggered by malware on your computer.
• Run the chkdsk command. The Check Disk utility repairs bad drive sectors and other problems that may trigger this File Explorer problem.

Fix 1: Delete Faulty AutomaticDestinations and CustomDestinations Folders

Some quick-access folders may be corrupted, so File Explorer keeps getting stuck. Deleting them may fix the problem.

Step 1: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2: Copy and paste the path in the address bar, hit Enter, and delete the entire content of the location.

shell:recent\AutomaticDestinations

Step 3: Again, copy and paste the path in the address bar, hit Enter, and delete the entire location’s content.

shell:recent\CustomDestinations

Step 4: Restart your computer.

Fix 2: Restart Windows Explorer Services

Windows Explorer services run in the background during system startup. You can restart it and try your luck again.

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key and open Task Manager.

Step 2: Search for Windows Explorer and select Restart task at the top.

Fix 3: Clear File Explorer History

When you clear the File Explorer history, you may correct minor bugs that caused the glitch. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer and click the three-dot menu at the top to open Options.

Step 2: Click the Clear button > Apply > OK. 

Fix 4: Rebuild Search Index

Rebuilding the search index on Windows will clear out the existing database of indexed files and locations and then build a new one from scratch. This can be helpful when the File Explorer shows some irregularities.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Indexing options. Hit Enter.

Step 2: Open the Advanced menu.

Step 3: Click Rebuild.

Step 4: Close the menu, restart the PC, and try opening folders again.