It can be annoying when you are getting things done on your Windows PC and start experiencing slow File Explorer performance. Sometimes it opens files and folders slowly or freezes up entirely while you’re trying to get things done. This hinders your workflow because you need to start troubleshooting the issue to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it.

Luckily, you can take some straightforward actions to get it working again successfully. Then, you will have access to the files and folders you need quickly to complete your work. Unless it’s completely mangled, you only need to use one or two of the items listed here. However, it’s good to have multiple options ready when you need to get back to work.

5 Restart File Explorer

Get a fresh start

One of the first things you should try is restarting File Explorer. Launch Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, and select the Restart option from the context menu. You will see File Explorer and your taskbar disappear during the restart. Don’t freak out — this is normal. Once it comes back, see if the performance is better. A restart will typically work, and is one of the easier things to do when File Explorer is running slow.

4 Clear File Explorer cache

Clean out the junk for better performance

Even on Windows 11, you can use this simple trick that has worked on many previous versions. Clearing the cache will remove temporary items that are no longer needed and allow File Explorer to run more smoothly. It could freeze up, display items incorrectly, or be slow. Whatever your problem, using this oldie but goodie trick can help eliminate a corrupt or a bursting cache that can cause it to be slow. You may have used this trick on older versions of Windows and forgotten about it.

To clear the File Explorer cache, press Win + R, type control folders in the Run dialog field, and click OK. When the File Explorer Options window opens, select the General tab at the top, and click the Clear button in the Privacy section. You won’t receive a verification message, you just need to click it once. Restart File Explorer; it should be more responsive and work as you expect.

3 Configure Folder Optimization Settings

Revamp folders with too much content

Sometimes, you might have problems with specific folders in File Explorer. These are typically folders that contain a lot of files and subfolders. Luckily, you can optimize the specific folder. You can also optimize each folder you are having an issue with.

Right-click the problematic folder and select Properties -> Customize. Click the top dropdown menu, choose General items, and check the Also apply this template to all subfolders box. Once complete, click Apply and OK, and see if that folder is still giving you trouble in File Explorer.

2 Use a third-party alternative

Files or File Pilot will work when File Explorer doesn’t

If you don’t have time to wait for your files and folders, let alone time to troubleshoot the issue, you can try a File Explorer alternative app. For instance, File Pilot is a fast, lightweight alternative that will pull up all the same content as File Explorer. Plus, it has a familiar interface with similar features, and using it is straightforward.

Another option is simply called Files, which has a modern design and a modern, straightforward interface. It includes several features not included with the traditional File Explorer and adds a modern edge to Windows 10 systems. Unfortunately, neither app is free; however, they are free to try. You can download them to access your files and folders, get your work done, and continue to troubleshoot File Explorer.

1 Use the system maintenance tool

For troubleshooting slow File Explorer

The System Maintenance tool in Control Panel can help fix File Explorer by scanning your PC for common issues that affect it. When File Explorer is slow or freezes, this tool scans for problems and fixes them. To run it, open the classic Control Panel. Choose System and security -> Security and Maintenance.

Expand the Maintenance section on the next screen and click the Start maintenance link. Once the scan is complete, restart File Explorer to see if it is responsive and working as it should. Note that the amount of time the scan takes will vary between systems.

File Explorer doesn’t need to run slow and cut into your workflow

You don’t want File Explorer to run slowly when you have work on your PC. It is frustrating not having the ability to access files and folders you need. However, you can get it working again by following the troubleshooting steps shown above.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you use an alternative File Explorer app, you might end up liking it more than the default, since it comes with additional features and allows you to manage the same files and folders from the directories.