File Explorer - Failure to Load Thumbnails, Infinite Green Loading Bar


mcmxc

Member
Local time
10:22 AM
Posts
1
OS
Windows 11
Hi all,

In folders with lots of images, File Explorer thumbnails begin failing to display, and the green loading animation in the address bar starts and never stops.

I had this problem in Windows 10 but it was solved by the initial Windows 11 install, thankfully. But with the latest Windows 11 builds, the nightmare has returned. Not sure which build caused the behavior to return, but I'm currently on 23H2 22631.2050.

For me, it's easy to reproduce after opening a few folders in Explorer. Once it starts, any further folders become subject to the same behavior. Also, when this happens, right-clicking any file in Explorer hangs Explorer and I have to manually kill the process from Task Manager.

Super frustrating and really limits my ability to use the PC. Viewing files is pretty fundamental. I've had to resort to using QDir, a third-party file viewer, which has no problems with thumbnails. However, searching for folders in Start will obviously use Explorer, so I'd rather have File Explorer working.

I should note that this problem is affecting multiple computers, including my work computer, so I don't think it's any particular file or folder on any one system.

I've reported this problem many, many times to Microsoft using the Feedback app. What's super frustrating is that when reporting this problem, I cannot use the "Record diagnostics" feature in the Feedback app to record what's going on - whenver this problem happens, I get the "Couldn't start recording" error. It's as if thumbnails are coupled to too many things in the OS, and whatever this problem is affects more than just thumbnails.

Any advice or thoughts? At my wit's end. Thanks!
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 23H2 22631.2050

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Yoga C940
    CPU
    Intel i9-9880H
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q Design
I am having a similar problem. I have to close explorer and open it again. Usually works after that. I am on the Beta channel Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2050
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel i9-10980XE
    Motherboard
    MSI X299 XPOWER GAMING AC BIOS 1.F0. Updated Network Card Intel Wi-fi 6E AX210
    Memory
    Gskill DDR4 4x8Gb 3200Mhz CL 14.14.14.34
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia FE 3800
    Sound Card
    See other info.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 30" 3017
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Hard Drives
    C: WD_BLACK SN750 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe Gen 3
    6 x SATA Kingston/WD
    Back up Drives: Toshiba Mechanical/Intel SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime TX-1000
    Case
    Silverstone Fortress FT02. Updates: Top USB ports to 3.1, AP183 PWM bottom fans, NF-A12x25 PWM chromax top fan. Mods: cut out bus slots for improved Graphics card air flow.
    Cooling
    CPU: Noctua D15S Chromax
    Keyboard
    Tecknet 10Keyless
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    250Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    MS Defender
    Other Info
    Sound: Matrix Audio Element H/USB cable/ SPDIF 2, Mogami 110 Ohm AES-EBU XLR, Adam Audio S3V Monitors.
    Front Panel Bays: EZDIY-FAB 5.25in 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen2 Hub and Type-C Port USB Hub with QC 3.0 Quick Charging. Dual Bay 3.5" + 2.5" Inch SATA III Hard Drive HDD & SSD Tray Caddy Internal Mobile Rack Enclosure Docking Station with USB 3.0 Port Hot Swap.
In this Video, i will show you how to fix the slow right-click issues and File Explorer Crashing problems in Windows.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

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