4 Ways to Fix File Explorer Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• In most cases, issues with File Explorer can be resolved by restarting the Windows Explorer process.
• Running SFC and DISM scans can help fix problems caused by corrupt system files.
• Consider rebuilding the search index if you continue to experience problems with the File Explorer.

Try Basic Fixes

• Scan for malware: It’s possible that a malicious virus has affected your PC, disrupting regular operations on Windows 11. To confirm this, try performing a quick scan to check for malware and viruses.
• Install Windows updates: The File Explorer not working issue may be related to a buggy or outdated Windows build your PC is running. If that’s the case, installing pending updates should help fix the problem.

Fix 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting the Windows Explorer process is an effective way of fixing issues with File Explorer. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to quickly launch the Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, scroll down to find Windows Explorer. Right-click it and select Restart.

Wait for Windows to restart the File Explorer and see if it’s working fine.

Fix 2: Clear File Explorer Cache

The existing File Explorer cache data may be interfering with its processes and causing problems. You can try removing it and see if that helps.

Step 1: Click the search icon in the taskbar, type in File Explorer options, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the File Explorer Options window that opens, switch to the General tab. Navigate to the Privacy section and click the Clear button.

Fix 3: Run SFC and DISM Scan

File Explorer may malfunction on Windows if some of the system files on your PC are damaged. Running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans can help you repair those files. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the resulting menu.

Step 2: Type the command mentioned below and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

Step 3: Run the following commands one by one to execute the DISM scan:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once done, restart your PC and try to use the File Explorer again.

Fix 4: Rebuild the Windows Search Index

Issues with the search index library on your PC can also cause such anomalies. If that’s the case, you can try rebuilding the index from scratch.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu, type in indexing options, and press Enter.

Step 2: Click Advanced.

Step 3: Hit the Rebuild button under Troubleshooting.

Wait for Windows to complete the indexing process. Again, this may take a while, but you can continue using your PC.