File Explorer Won’t Open on Windows 10 [Resolved]

29 Oct
Oct , 29 , 2019 Cherly Grove

Many users have complained lately that they are facing trouble to run File Explorer on their Windows 10 system. 

While this error is rather common, it can be quite annoying as well. So, if you have been encountering this issue lately take a thorough look into this article.

Here we have provided 6 methods in which you can fix “file explorer won’t open” error on Windows 10.

Causes of  “File Explorer Won’t Open” Error

Confronting this error on your system can be quite bothersome. Thus if you are suffering from this issue, you should also know the causes behind it. This will help you prevent the error in the future. The most probable causes are:

  • Problems in Display settings
  • Possible faulty programs
  • Cache files
  • Antiviruses
  • BagMRU and Bags Folders

Apart from that, there are other causes behind this error too. However, no matter what the cause behind this error is, the fixes to try are the same. Try these easy fixes to resolve this error on your own. 

Simple Fixes to “File Explorer Won’t Open” Error on Windows 10

To get rid of this issue with the File Explorer not opening, try the fixes as cited below. Perform them one by one until the error resolves.

Procedure 1: Make changes in the Display Settings

You may suffer from this File Explorer error for any incompatible display settings, and thus changing or restoring it to the default settings may solve it easily. To do so, make sure to follow the steps exactly as mentioned below. 

  • First of all, press the Windows key and then select Settings.
  • After that, click on “System”. Once the System window opens, make sure to choose the Display tab in the left pane. Ignore, if it is already selected.
  • Change the text size by utilizing the bar on the right pane on the Display tab. Go to “Change the size of text, apps, and other items (100% Recommended) and choose any percentage except 175. This is because setting a bar to 175 has been known to cause certain issues.
  • Select the font size and press Ok.

If this procedure does not solve the issue for you then follow the next method.

Procedure 2: Turn Off the Anti-viruses

There are chances of encountering this error if you have an antivirus installed on your system. If your antivirus is the reason behind this error, then use the Task Manager so that you can close the program. After doing so, the File Explorer should work normally. Follow the steps cited below to turn off your Anti-virus.

  • First of all, press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to open the Task Manager. Then, click on Processes.
  • Go to the Description column and look for the process that is related to your antivirus. 
  • Select the anti-virus program and click on End Process. Once prompted for confirmation, click on Yes.

Procedure 3: Look for Updates

Windows 10 File Explorer may not open due to certain bugs and updating the Windows OS may solve this issue easily. Make sure to look for any new update that is available.

  • Go to Start and type update. Select “Check for updates” option. 
  • After doing so, Windows will show all the available updates. 
  • Click on “Install now” to start the Windows update process. 

Procedure 4: Restart File Explorer

If the issue does not resolve even after following the methods above, try to restart the File Explorer once. To do so, follow the steps given below.

  • Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC and then choose Task Manager. After that, look for Windows Explorer and right-click on it. Now, choose End task. 
  • Just at the top of the Task Manager, click on File and select Run new task. 
  • After that, type “ explorer.exe “ and click Enter.

Procedure 5: Run Disk Cleanup

Many users claim that running disk cleanup to free up resources on your system has helped them resolve this issue. Follow the steps exactly as given below to do so.

  • Type disk cleanup in the search box of the taskbar and select it from the results.
  • Now, make sure to select the checkbox associated with each type of file and then click OK.
  • Click on “Delete Files” in the prompt that asks for confirmation. 

Procedure 6: Clear Cache Files and Make a New Path

Sometimes, this error can be due to the accumulation of cache files within the File Explorer. Follow the steps below to clear the cache which might resolve this error,

  • First of all, go to the taskbar and right-click on the File Explorer icon. Choose Unpin from the taskbar.
  • Press Windows+X and then select File Explorer. Now, right-click on the Quick Access link and click on Options.
  • Now go to the General tab and then the Privacy category. Click on “Clear”. This will clear the history of File Explorer.
  • After that, go to any vacant spot on your desktop and right-click on it. Now, select New>Shortcut.
  • Now type C:\Windows\explorer.exe and click on Next.
  • Rename the file to File Explorer and then click on Finish. Now, make sure to right-click on the created short cut and select “Pin to taskbar” option.

These were some easy fixes for File Explorer not opening on Windows 10. Please let us know in the comments whether these solutions resolved the problem for you or not.