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You may see the message how to fix ‘Downloads Folder Not Responding’ issue in Windows 11/10. By default, downloaded files are stored in the Downloads folder. Some users have said that sometimes the system stops responding to it. If the Downloads folder on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer isn’t working. The Downloads folder is where all the files you download from the Internet end up by default. In Windows 10, the Downloads folder sometimes doesn’t do anything for a long time. The folder takes forever to open. It looks for files over and over again.
By default, all downloaded files are stored in the Downloads folder. Some Windows 11 users have said that the download folder is not responding. When this folder is not responding, File Explorer may stop working. This can be very frustrating because you won’t be able to access or open any downloaded files in the folder, and you may also lose your important files. In this article, we’ll talk about how to fix ‘Downloads Folder Not Responding’ issue in Windows 11/10. It can also be used with Windows 7, but Windows 10 is usually where the trouble starts.
Causes the Downloads Folder Not Responding Issue
- Corrupted System Files: If the system files related to the Downloads folder are corrupted or damaged, it can lead to the folder not responding. This can happen due to software glitches, malware infections, or improper shutdowns.
- Large Number of Files: If your Downloads folder contains a vast number of files, the system might struggle to respond promptly. This can be more pronounced on systems with low resources.
- Disk Errors: If the storage drive containing the Downloads folder has errors or bad sectors, it can slow down or even freeze the folder’s responsiveness.
- Third-Party Software Interference: Conflicts with third-party software, especially those that integrate with the operating system, can lead to the Downloads folder becoming unresponsive.
- File System Issues: Problems with the file system of the storage drive can affect the performance of folders, including Downloads.
- Operating System Updates: Sometimes, a new operating system update might not be fully compatible with certain software or configurations, causing issues like unresponsive folders.
Fix ‘Downloads Folder Not Responding’ issue in Windows 11/10
Configure File Explorer to Display Icons Instead of Thumbnails

- Open the search menu: Press Win+S.
- In the text box, type file explorer options and press Enter.
- Check the Always show icons, never thumbnails box under the View tab.
- Click Apply, then click OK.
- Remember, this setting will affect all of your folders, not just the Downloads folder.
Optimize the Downloads Folder for General Items
- Open your computer’s File Explorer.
- Select Properties by right-clicking on the Downloads folder.
- Go to the tab that says “Customize.”
- Under “Customize this folder for,” click the drop-down menu and choose “General items.”
- Click Apply, then click OK.
Clear File Explorer History
- Click the magnifying glass on the taskbar.
- Type “file explorer options” into the box and choose the first result that comes up.
- Click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history on the General tab.
Perform CHKDSK Utility
- Open the Search menu by pressing Win + S together.
- Type CMD to run Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type chkdsk G: /f /r /x, where G: is the drive letter of your hard drive or disk where the Downloads folder is, and press Enter to start the process.
Restart the Windows Explorer Process
- Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Locate Windows Explorer on Processes tab.
- Right-click on it and choose Restart from menu.
- Taskbar will go away briefly, then come back.
- Open Downloads folder to ensure everything works.
Conclusion
If your Windows Downloads folder is slow or doesn’t work, it can be very annoying. But if you use the methods given, it should be easy to fix problems with the Downloads folder. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below. We’d be happy to help you figure out a solution. We often write about tips, tricks, and ways to solve common tech problems. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.
Questions and Answers
Use the utility CHKDSK. If the problem with Windows 11’s download folder not responding isn’t caused by corrupted file systems, it should be your computer’s bad sectors. The next tool you need to run is CHKDSK, which checks Windows for bad sectors and fixes them if it finds any. Step 1: Press Wins + S to open the Search menu.
Large Files or Folders: If you have a lot of files or folders on your computer, File Explorer may take longer to load, giving you the wrong answer. Drivers that are out of date or broken: Drivers that are out of date or broken can also make File Explorer stop working.
Start System File Checker. Run the System File Checker as soon as you notice that your Downloads folder is not responding or is not accessible. This built-in Windows tool is meant to check all of the system files.
Windows 11 is faster and more responsive than Windows 10, and it also has a lot of new features that improve performance, ease of use, device compatibility (it can run Android apps), and even gaming. It does have some changes to the way it looks, which might take some time to get used to, and it also needs a new CPU.