5 Ways to Fix Windows File Explorer Running Slow

Windows File Explorer is a great tool, but it has its drawbacks.For example, when you use the program to open or copy files, it tends to be slow to respond.Sometimes, File Explorer's search bar took too long to load search results.

If you're wondering why File Explorer is so slow, this article will help you figure it out.So let’s take a deep dive into the various ways to fix slow or unresponsive File Explorer.

1. Restart File Explorer

Restarting File Explorer can help resolve the "Windows File Explorer is slow" issue.Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Open the Windows Task Manager.

2. Finally, right-click on the Windows Explorer option and select Restart.

Still having trouble?Close File Explorer using Task Manager and reopen the tool manually.Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Follow the previous steps to open Task Manager.

2. Right-click Windows Explorer and select "End Task".

3. Open File Explorer manually to check if the problem is resolved.

2. Reduce the number of active PC programs

Using too many computer programs at the same time can affect the performance of File Explorer.In fact, it slows down the entire computer.

To resolve "File Explorer loading slowly" issue, reduce the number of programs running on your computer.Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Navigate to the Processes tab.

3. Scroll to the Applications section, right-click on the specific program, and select End Task.Repeat this process, closing any other extraneous programs in the Applications section.

While you’re still in the “Processes” tab, scroll down to the “Background Processes” section.Once there, right-click any unused program and select "End Task."

Finally, disable unnecessary startup applications and processes that slow down File Explorer.

3. Disable Quick Access and Clear File Explorer History

Quick access is one of the best features of File Explorer.When you open File Explorer, recently accessed files and folders appear under the quick access options.While this feature helps you access files quickly, it also slows down File Explorer.

So, if you want to speed up File Explorer, disable Quick Access with the following steps:

1. Open the file explorer, click the file option in the upper left corner of the screen.

2. Select "Change folder and search options".

3. In the next window, navigate to the General tab.

4. Click the "Open File Explorer" drop-down menu and select "This PC".

5. Uncheck the "Show recently used files in Quick Access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick Access" options.

6. Click the "Clear" button under the "Privacy" option.This will clear the history of File Explorer.

7. Click Apply, then OK to apply the changes.

Finally, restart your computer to save these changes.This will hopefully solve the "File Explorer never loads" issue.

4. Configure folder optimization settings

Have you ever faced the problem of folders containing lots of files and subfolders?If so, then optimizing that folder might help.

So, here's how to optimize the folder in question to fix the "Windows 10 File Explorer is slow" issue:

1. Right click on the folder in question and select "Properties".

2. Navigate to the Custom tab.

3. Click the Optimize this folder drop-down menu and choose General Items.

4. Check the "Apply this template to all subfolders also" box.

5. Click Apply, then OK to apply the changes.

5. Troubleshoot Windows Search and Indexing Service

If none of the above solutions worked, you may be worried and still wondering: "Why is File Explorer so slow?" However, we have a solution!

As a last resort, you can try to troubleshoot the Windows Search and Indexing Service to resolve the issue. Windows Search and Indexing Service helps improve your computer's search performance.However, if the search and indexing services fail, File Explorer and its search bar may become sluggish.

Here's how to troubleshoot the Search and Indexing service to resolve the issue at hand:

1. Type Control Panel into the Windows Search bar and select Best Batch.

2. Select Small icons from the "View by" drop-down menu.

3. Select Indexing Options.

4. In the next window, select Troubleshooting Search and Indexing.

5. Next, select the Search or indexing is slowing down your computer check box.

6. Press "Next" to complete the process.

Easily Speed ​​Up File Explorer

File Explorer takes a long time to load, which is very frustrating.In fact, it makes the process of managing and working with files quite unpleasant.However, I hope you can solve the "Windows Explorer is slow" issue with the tips we provided.