Solved Explorer not responding


LMWT

New member
Local time
9:59 PM
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16
OS
Windows 11
Have been searching for a solution here and elsewhere with query "Win 11 explorer not responding" it just stopped responding yesterday, wasn't doing anything unusual - just browsing files. Have tried various solutions with no success. Using Microsoft Files to explore in lieu of.
Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Windows Build/Version
22H2 (OS Build 22621.900)
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881
    Hard Drives
    SSD and HDD
First I would suggest you make sure you have no corrupt system files that is causing this problem. Open a command prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow
Pay attention to the scan results to see if SFC found anything it could not repair. If it found corruption it could not fix followup with this command (note the spaces)
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Restart computer

(Note-you can follow up with another sfc /scannow command to make sure that dism repaired the files if you wish)

You can also verify there are no software conflicts by performing a clean boot. If it doesn't happen in a clean boot, you have some software conflicting with Windows. Brink's procedure will help you weed out which one. Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts Tutorial

Edit: If none of that works, I would recommend a repair install. Repair Install Windows 11 Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial
 
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My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3447
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Thanks for the replies, it's late now (in Europe) so I will have a go using your advice tomorrow (Wednesday) after work ☘️ :-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881
    Hard Drives
    SSD and HDD
Thanks again glasskuter
I ran sfc /scannow and nothing was found to repair. Rather than try any other solution and although cautious, I went ahead with your second suggestion and reset the PC keeping files and apps etc, all is good now and all back to normal :-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881
    Hard Drives
    SSD and HDD
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