11 Fixes for Slow File Explorer on Windows
There could be many reasons why the file explorer is so slow on your Windows computer. And this is not a new problem either as Windows users have been reporting a slow file explorer consuming lots of resources for ages now. There are several steps you can take to increase the file explorer’s speed and improve its performance. Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
These simple yet effective steps will help boost the file explorer’s speed quite a lot. Be sure to go through the list.
1. Automatically Manage Paging File Size
Windows needs to efficiently manage both physical and virtual memory to manage files’ indexing and storage. The pagefile is part of Windows’ virtual memory system that helps it abstract physical memory using virtual addresses mapped to the physical addresses. Too complicated? Follow the steps below to make sure the feature is enabled. That’s all.
1.PressWindows +Rto the Run prompt and copy-paste the command below.
2.Select theAdvanced taband then click onSettingsbelow toPerformance.
3.In the following pop-up, under theAdvanced tab, selectProgramsunder Adjust for best performance of heading.
4.In the same pop-up, click onChangebutton under Virtual Memory heading.
5.In yet another pop-up, make sure thatAutomatically manage paging file size for all drivesis checked here. Click onApplyto save changes andOKto close the pop-ups.
2. Restart File Explorer
This is a simple but effective trick that should help with a slow file explorer. Note that this will close all open windows and apps immediately so save all your work first.
1.PressCtrl+Shift+Esckeys on your keyboard which should open the Task Manager.
2.Use the search bar at the top to findWindows Explorer. Right-click on it and selectRestart.
3. Optimize the Folder
Have you seen those green progress bars while opening a folder? Something like this:
Optimizing the folder, particularly a large folder with many files should resolve this.
1.Right-click on the folder that is loading too slowly. For example, the Downloads folder because that’s where we download files. SelectPropertiesfrom the context menu.
2.Select theCustomize tab. SelectGeneral itemsfrom the drop-down menu below Optimize this folder for: section. You can also checkAlso apply this template to all subfoldersoption. Click onApplyto save changes and then click onOK.
Note:Many users use the detailed or list view that displays additional information like file size, length, date, etc. All of this data takes time to fetch and populate resulting in a slower file explorer experience. you’re able to easily change the folder view from the View menu at the top.
4. Run Indexer Troubleshooter
User files and folders are indexed by the system to keep a record of what file is saved and where on the drive. Indexing can get corrupt leading to slower load and opening times for the file explorer. There is a troubleshooter tool for that but it is hidden deep in the settings.
1.PressWindows+Ito open the Settings app.
2.SelectPrivacy & securityfrom the left sidebar and click onSearching Windowson the right side.
3.Scroll to the bottom and click onIndexer troubleshooter. Doing so will open a pop-up and Windows will begin indexing files and folders immediately.
5. Delete Automatic Destinations
Look at it like junk files. Deleting it will improve File Explorer’s speed and load times.
1.PressWindows key + Rto open the Run prompt.
2.Copy the command below, paste it into the Run prompt, and then pressEnter.
3.A folder will open. Delete all the files in this folder using theCtrl+Akeyboard shortcut (selects all files) and pressDeleteto delete all files.
4.Repeat the same steps but for the below folder path.
6. Check SSD/HDD Health
File Explorer simply lets you search for files and folders that are stored on the SSD or HDD. If the SSD/HDD is corrupt or damaged, File Explorer may take longer to load them or worse, they could be lost forever (may or may not be recoverable). If File Explorer is way too slow on your Windows PC, it’s a good idea to check its health.
There are a few ways to do that.
1.Press theWindows keyand search for CMD. Click onRun as administrator.
2.Copy-paste the command below and pressEnterto execute.
And then enter this command:
Everything is okay if the status says OK. Otherwise, you will see an error describing the issue.
Popular SSD makers like Seagate have tools that will perform a deep scan of the drives installed on your Windows PC. Not only that, they will also recommend solutions. Here are links to tools from some popular makers:
7. Clean File Explorer History
File Explorer history contains search history from the address bar, quick access except for folders that are pinned, recent files opened, Run prompt search history and more.
To clear file explorer history, from any open folder, click on thethree-dot menu iconin the upper-right corner and then selectOptionsfrom the menu.
Click on theClearbutton next toClear File Explorer historyoption.
Pro Tip:In the same pop-up menu under the Privacy section, you may choose to hide recently used files and frequently used folders if you want.
Next, inside any folder, right-click on the Address bar (where you’re able to see the folder path) and selectDelete Historyoption from the context menu.
8. Run Maintenance
1.Press the Windows key, search forControl Panel, and open it.
2.Click onSystem and Security.
3.Click onSecurity and Maintenance.
4.Click onMaintenanceto expand that menu. Then click onStart maintenance.
A pop-up will open. Follow the on-screen instructions after that.
9. Run SFC and DISM Scans
SFC orSystem File Checker scanwill look for corrupt operating system files and try to fix them. Similarly, DISM orDeployment Servicing Image and Managementwill repair Windows OS image without needing an internet connection. If a corrupt system or OS file is responsible for slowing down the file explorer, this should fix it.
2.Copy-paste the commands below one at a time.
10. Exclude Massive Folder/Drive From Defender
Windows Defender has come a long way. If has gotten so good that you don’t need a third-party antivirus app anymore. However, continuous background scans can take a toll on PC performance and evenslow down the File Explorer as many Redditors found. If you have a large drive or folder, you can try excluding it.
1.Press theWindows keyon your keyboard and then search for and openWindows Security.
2.Click onVirus & threat protection.
3.Click onManage settingsunder theVirus & threat protection updates.
4.Scroll to the bottom and click onAdd or remove exclusions.
5.Click onAdd an exclusionbutton and select whetherFolder. Then simply navigate to the folder or even drive you want to exclude and select it.
11. Turn Off Real-Time Windows Defender Scan
Doing so will depend on the kind of work that you do on your computer. If you are constantly using the internet to open different sites and download files, then you need Defender to scan constantly. Otherwise, you may disable real-time scan and perform a manual scan every once in a while.
1.Open Windows Security as shown in the section above.
3.Click onManage settingsunder Virus & threat protection settings.
4.DisableReal-time protectionhere.
Explore the World Through the Window
File Explorer is not the only way to search for and open files and folders on your drives. There are several options including both native and3rd-party file explorers. We recommendPowerToyswhich will let you search for any file from any app window using a universal search bar that will appear magically upon pressing a keyboard shortcut. It is open-sourced, free, and developed by Microsoft. Instead of fixing, simply bypass an old and slow file explorer on your Windows computer.
Gaurav Bidasaria
Gaurav is an editor here at TechWiser but also contributes as a writer. He has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and has written how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and in-depth explainers on Windows, Android, web, and cloud apps, and the Apple ecosystem.
He loves tinkering with new gadgets and learning about new happenings in the tech world.
He has previously worked on Guiding Tech, Make Tech Easier, and other prominent tech blogs and has over 1000+ articles that have been read over 50 million times.
