Windows 10 File Explorer Very Slow, Constantly Processing, Hanging & Crashing - Troubleshooting Guide

If you're experiencing slow performance, constant processing, hanging, or crashing issues with the File Explorer in Windows 10, you're not alone. Many users have reported these problems, but there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve them. In this guide, we'll walk you through some common solutions to help you fix these issues and get your File Explorer running smoothly again.

1. Update Windows 10

Make sure you have the latest updates installed for Windows 10. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. To check for updates, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings".
2. In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security".
3. Click on "Check for updates" and let Windows search for any available updates.
4. If updates are found, click on "Download" and install them.
5. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

2. Disable Quick Access

The Quick Access feature in File Explorer can sometimes slow down its performance. Disabling this feature might help improve the speed of File Explorer. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Click on the "View" tab at the top of the window.
3. In the "Show/Hide" section, uncheck the box next to "Quick Access".

3. Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer keeps a history of recently accessed files and folders, which can also contribute to its slow performance. Clearing this history might help speed things up. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Click on the "File" tab at the top of the window.
3. In the "Privacy" section, click on the "Clear" button next to "Clear File Explorer history".

4. Disable Startup Programs

Certain programs that start automatically with Windows can slow down the overall performance of your computer, including File Explorer. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can help improve its speed. Here's how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager".
2. In the Task Manager window, click on the "Startup" tab.
3. Identify the programs that you don't need to start with Windows and right-click on them.
4. Select "Disable" to prevent them from starting automatically.

5. Check for Malware

Malware infections can also cause File Explorer to slow down or crash. It's important to regularly scan your computer for malware and remove any threats. Use a reliable antivirus or anti-malware program to perform a full system scan and remove any detected malware.

6. Optimize File Explorer for Performance

Windows 10 offers some settings that can optimize File Explorer for better performance. Here's how you can access and modify these settings:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Click on the "View" tab at the top of the window.
3. In the "Options" section, click on "Options".
4. In the Folder Options window, click on the "View" tab.
5. Under "Advanced settings", check the box next to "Launch folder windows in a separate process".
6. Click on "Apply" and then on "OK" to save the changes.

7. Reset File Explorer

If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting File Explorer to its default settings. This can help resolve any underlying issues that are causing the slow performance or crashes. Here's how you can reset File Explorer:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Click on the "View" tab at the top of the window.
3. In the "Show/Hide" section, click on "Options".
4. In the Folder Options window, click on the "View" tab.
5. Click on the "Reset Folders" button and then on "Yes" to confirm.
6. Click on "Apply" and then on "OK" to save the changes.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the slow performance, constant processing, hanging, or crashing issues with File Explorer in Windows 10. If the problem persists, you may need to seek further assistance from technical support or consider reinstalling Windows 10.

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