Table of Contents
Does the File Explorer Loading Slowly in Windows? Is it because the File Explorer takes too long to load everything? If it is, there might be a problem with the File Explorer database’s corrupted index. Windows File Explorer is a tool for managing files and folders in Windows. It lets you do many different things with your files and folders. But sometimes this handy tool stops working, and you may run into trouble.
You might have different problems with Windows Explorer. For example, it might freeze when you open a folder or move slowly when you copy and paste. Or, the search feature may take a long time to index the files. Also, if Windows Explorer is slow, moving between folders can take a long time.
(Fixed) File Explorer Loading Slowly in Windows
Restart File Explorer
When File Explorer is slow or acting up, the first thing you should do is restart it. File Explorer can work as well as it did before if its parts are reset to a new set:
- Click the search box on the Taskbar, type “Task Manager,” and then click the result.
- Make sure File Explorer is already running in the background.
- Windows Explorer is in the Apps section of the Processes tab.
- Right-click it and choose “Restart.”
Disable Quick Access
The Quick Access toolbar has shortcuts for the File Explorer features that are used most often. If your system is already busy, turning on Quick Access makes the File Explorer app even slower. So, if File Explorer is slow, you should turn off Quick Access.
- Open File Explorer
- Click the ellipses icon in the top toolbar and choose “Options.”
- “Show recently used files” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick access” should not be checked.
- To save this change, click on Clear, choose OK, and click on Apply.
Change the default Explorer opening location
Quick Access is where File Explorer opens by default, which could be why it works slowly. If you follow the steps below, it’s very easy to change the default folder:
- Start the File Explorer programme.
- Click on the ellipses to bring up Explorer’s settings.
- Here, you can choose “Open File Explorer to:” from a drop-down menu.
- Set it to this PC and click OK to save the change.
Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
The last thing you can do to speed up the File Explorer app is to troubleshoot your system in a clean boot state. By putting your system through a Clean Boot State, you can find out what is causing your File Explorer to run slowly or freeze. This will help you fix the problem.
To start troubleshooting your computer in a Clean Boot State, press the “Win + R” key combination to open the run command.
- Here, type “msconfig” and hit “Enter.” This will bring up the System Configuration box.
- Selective Startup can be found on the General tab.
- Check the “Load Startup” items box and make sure that “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” are also checked.
- Go to the Services tab now.
- Choose “Hide all Microsoft Services” in the bottom-left corner and then “Disable all.”
Replacing Date Created Column
When you open Windows File Explorer, a list of the different columns that are available is shown on the left. This includes the name, date, size, etc. But a lot of people have the column of Date. The Date is not in the file system metadata, so it has to be taken from each file. This makes the File Explorer move more slowly. Here, we’ll change the Date column to “Date modified” to see if that fixes the problem. Help is available at the Microsoft Support Center.
- To open the File Explorer, press Windows + E.
- Right-click on the name of any column and choose “More.”
- Now, uncheck the “Date” box and check the “Date modified” box. Save your work and leave.
- Start your computer back up and check to see if the problem is really fixed.
FAQ
Why is my Windows File Explorer so slow
This is the main reason why apps and processes slow down on PC: there aren’t enough free system resources. You could try to turn off startup apps and processes that aren’t necessary.
- The things that Windows Explorer does are: In the Task Manager, the Windows Explorer process might be doing too many things at once. In this case, you need to restart the process to get things back to normal.
- Corrupt system files: System files that are broken or don’t work right can make your PC act in different ways, like making the File Explorer slow. Run SFC and DISM scans to fix and restore these system files. This will fix the problem.
- Problems with searching and indexing: If your computer’s search and indexing aren’t working right, Windows Explorer might be slow. One way to fix this issue is to use the right troubleshooter.
How do I fix Windows 11 Explorer lag
- Press the Windows Key + R, then type SYSDM.
- Click Settings under Performance in the System Properties window’s Advanced tab.
- Next, go to Performance Options and make sure that Adjust for best performance of: is set to Programs under Processor scheduling.
Why does my File Explorer take so long to load
Running too many PC programs simultaneously could affect File Explorer’s speed. In fact, this could slow down your entire PC. To resolve the “File Explorer is loading slow” issue, try minimizing the number of programs running on your PC. To get started, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
How do I make File Explorer open faster
File Explorer in Windows 11 makes it easy and quick to find the files you need. To check it out in Windows 11, click on it in the taskbar or Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard.