Windows Explorer Stuck 'Items remaining: 0' during file copying

Abstract: Experiencing a simple issue where Windows Explorer gets stuck with the message 'Items remaining: 0' while copying or moving large folders containing thousands of files? Find a potential solution in this article.

Created: 2024-02-20 by UserComp.com Editors

Windows Explorer Stuck Items Remaining: 0 File Copying

Have you ever experienced a simple issue where Windows Explorer gets stuck while copying, moving, or deleting large folders containing thousands of files? If so, you're not alone. After months of Googling and searching for a fix, I've decided to compile a comprehensive article on this topic to help others who might be facing the same problem.

Introduction

When working with large folders containing thousands of files, you might encounter a situation where the Windows Explorer gets stuck while copying, moving, or deleting the files. The progress bar freezes, and the only way to resolve the issue is to force-close the Windows Explorer process using the Task Manager. This article aims to provide a detailed explanation of the issue and possible solutions to fix it.

Understanding the Issue

The issue arises due to the limitations of the Windows Explorer in handling large folders with thousands of files. The Windows Explorer is responsible for displaying the file system and managing files and folders. However, it has limitations when it comes to handling large numbers of files, leading to the progress bar getting stuck during file copying, moving, or deletion.

Why Does the Issue Occur?

The issue occurs due to several reasons, including:

Insufficient system resources, such as memory and CPU, to handle large folders containing thousands of files.
Slow hard drives or network connections that cannot keep up with the speed of file transfer.
Corrupted file system or system registry that affects the Windows Explorer's performance.
Outdated Windows operating system or drivers that cannot handle large folders containing thousands of files.

Possible Solutions

Here are some possible solutions to fix the issue:

Use a Third-Party File Manager

Using a third-party file manager, such as Total Commander or Free Commander, can help you manage large folders containing thousands of files more efficiently. These file managers are designed to handle large folders and offer advanced features such as multi-threading, which can speed up file transfer.

Use the Command Prompt

Using the command prompt can help you copy, move, or delete large folders containing thousands of files more efficiently. The command prompt offers advanced features such as copying files in the background, which can help you avoid the Windows Explorer getting stuck.

Disable Windows Search Indexing

Windows Search Indexing can affect the Windows Explorer's performance when handling large folders containing thousands of files. Disabling Windows Search Indexing can help you avoid the issue.

Use Robocopy

Robocopy is a command-line tool that can help you copy, move, or delete large folders containing thousands of files more efficiently. Robocopy offers advanced features such as multi-threading, which can speed up file transfer.

Update Windows Operating System and Drivers

Updating the Windows operating system and drivers can help you avoid the issue. Updating the operating system and drivers can help you ensure that your system has the latest features and bug fixes that can help you handle large folders containing thousands of files efficiently.

Check Hard Drive for Errors

Checking the hard drive for errors can help you avoid the issue. Checking the hard drive for errors can help you ensure that your hard drive is in good condition and can handle large folders containing thousands of files efficiently.

Use a Fast Hard Drive or SSD

Using a fast hard drive or SSD can help you avoid the issue. A fast hard drive or SSD can help you transfer files more efficiently, reducing the chances of the Windows Explorer getting stuck.

The issue of the Windows Explorer getting stuck while copying, moving, or deleting large folders containing thousands of files can be frustrating. However, by using a third-party file manager, the command prompt, disabling Windows Search Indexing, using Robocopy, updating the Windows operating system and drivers, checking the hard drive for errors, using a fast hard drive or SSD, and increasing system resources, you can avoid the issue and manage large folders containing thousands of files more efficiently.

References

Microsoft Support. (2021). How to troubleshoot file copy errors in Windows. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-troubleshoot-file-copy-errors-in-windows-c2921524-5893-8a50-6b75-37c8e5d39412
Total Commander. (2021). Total Commander - Features. https://www.ghisler.com/features.htm
Free Commander. (2021). Free Commander XE - Features. https://www.freecommander.com/en/features/
Robocopy. (2021). Robocopy - Windows CMD - SS64.com. https://ss64.com/nt/robocopy.html

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