Ask a new question

Windows 11 File Explorer Not Opening & Taskbar Refreshing

I'm experiencing an issue with File Explorer on my Windows 11 laptop where it refuses to open. Whenever I try to launch it from the taskbar, the application appears to start loading, but then the taskbar refreshes, and nothing happens. The same problem occurs when attempting to open File Explorer from the Start menu or as an administrator. Additionally, I can't access any desktop options—right-clicking on the desktop or taskbar causes the taskbar to disappear momentarily before reloading, with no menu or action appearing. I have already tried several troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue. I restarted my computer multiple times, but that didn’t help. I also ran sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to check for system file corruption, but the issue persists. Despite attempting different ways to launch File Explorer, I still cannot open it. My device specifications are as follows: Device Name: LAPTOP-19IBSUTP, Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-9300H CPU @ 2.40GHz, Installed RAM: 32.0 GB (31.8 GB usable), System Type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor. There is no error message after clicking the application when it fails to run.

|
Hi, I'm Ravish, an independent Windows advisor, and I'm here to assist you today.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue where File Explorer isn't launching, and the taskbar keeps refreshing. Let's try a few targeted solutions to resolve this:

1. Clear File Explorer History
Sometimes, corrupted history files can cause this issue.

Press Win + R, type control folders, and press Enter.
In the General tab, click Clear next to "Clear File Explorer history."
Click OK and try opening File Explorer again.

2. Restart Windows Explorer Process
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Under the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose Restart.

Let me know, how it goes.

1 person found this reply helpful

·

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

I have tried both clearing the file explorer history and running file explorer again as well as restarting the windows explorer process via the task manager. I am encountering the same issue as before I don't think a change has occurred yet.

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Since restarting Windows Explorer and clearing history didn’t help, let's try some deeper troubleshooting steps.

1. Run DISM and SFC Together
Since you already ran sfc /scannow, try running DISM first before running SFC again:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run the following commands one by one: 
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Restart your computer and check if File Explorer opens.

2. Boot into Safe Mode
Try opening File Explorer in Safe Mode to see if a background service is interfering.

Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Under the Boot tab, check Safe boot and select Minimal.
Click OK and restart your PC.
If File Explorer works in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely causing the issue.

Let me know how it goes.

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

I ran DISM and SFC Together and I tried opening file explorer after that but ran into the same issue with the taskbar loading but no file explorer window appearing. I then booted the computer in safe mode and still the file explorer application did not open successfully the taskbar appeared the same and there was a loading cursor icon, but nothing opened after I tried opening the application multiple times.

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 

Question Info

Last updated March 3, 2025 Views 390 Applies to: