File Explorer keeps hanging when it opens

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  1. ksio89
    Posts : 210
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #1

    File Explorer keeps hanging when it opens


    File Explorer keeps hanging when launching or when resizing the window. Some times it will un-hang by itself after a while if left alone, otherwise it will crash. I had an issue where Windows applications such as Task Manager or Settings where taking too long to launch from Start context menu (fixed with a sfc /scannow), but I don't know whether both problems are related or not. The delay is still present if opening File Explorer from the taskbar icon, while it opens instantly if using the Win+E shortcut.

    Windows 10 build is 20H2 19042.685.
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  3. Paul Black
    Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       New #2

    Hello @ksio89,

     RestoreHealth

    [1] Press the Win + X keys together and select Command Prompt (Admin).
    [2] Type the following command into the Elevated CMD Prompt and press ENTER . . .

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    When the above has finished processing . . .

    [3] Right-click on the title bar of the CMD prompt window [ where it says Administrator: Command Prompt ].
    [4] Scroll down to Edit and click Select All.
    [5] Right-click on the title bar again.
    [6] Scroll down to Edit and click Copy.
    [7] Paste the results into your post using the CODE tags [ click the # and Paste the results inside ].

    In your post it will look like this . . .

    Code:
    <<< Results >>>

    IMPORTANT:

    To run DISM, you MUST be connected to the Internet to allow the repair of any Component Store corruption.

    I hope this helps.
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  4. ksio89
    Posts : 210
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    it just says: "Restore operation completed succesfully" and then "Operation completed successully"

    Microsoft Windows [versão 10.0.19042.685]
    (c) 2020 Microsoft Corporation. Todos os direitos reservados.
    C:\WINDOWS\system32>Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    Ferramenta de Gerenciamento e Manutenção de Imagens de Implantação
    Versão: 10.0.19041.572
    Versão da Imagem: 10.0.19042.685
    [==========================100.0%==========================] Operação de restauração concluída com êxito.A operação foi concluída com êxito.
    C:\WINDOWS\system32>

    By the way, I take back what I said, applications still take way too long to launch from Win+X.
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  6. Paul Black
    Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       New #4

    Hello @ksio89,

    ksio89 said:
    it just says: "Restore operation completed succesfully" and then "Operation completed successully"
    OK, that's good.

    Do you still have the problem?
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  7. ksio89
    Posts : 210
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Paul Black said:
    Hello @ksio89,



    OK, that's good.

    Do you still have the problem?
    Yes, the issue persists. I don't know if there's anything else to try short of refreshing Windows, I wouldn't mind doing it if I could keep installed applications.
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  8. Paul Black
    Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       New #6

    Hello @ksio89,

    ksio89 said:
    Yes, the issue persists. I don't know if there's anything else to try short of refreshing Windows, I wouldn't mind doing it if I could keep installed applications.

    [1] Have you tried Stopping and Restarting the File Explorer process in Task Manager?
    [2] Have a look at this => File Explorer hangs when doing most anything - Answers.Microsoft
    [3] Have a look at this in case you want to go down the In-Place-Upgrade route . . .

     In-Place-Upgrade - Repair Install

    Information & Tutorials:

    This is a Non-Destructive Process which keeps ALL your Apps, Programs and Personal Data intact . . .

    IMPORTANT: This is an extract from the Tutorial below . . .

    • You will only be able to do a repair install of Windows 10 from within Windows 10. You will not be able to do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.
    • You will need at least around 10 GB + what Windows is currently using of free space available on the Windows drive.
    • The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same edition and same or newer build as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then the repair install will fail.
    • The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same base language (aka: system default language) as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then you will not keep anything.
    • If you have a 32-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 32-bit ISO or USB.
    • If you have a 64-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 64-bit ISO or USB.

    > How to Do a Repair Install of Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

    Basically . . .

    [1] Download the ISO to the Desktop.
    [2] Right-click the ISO and select Mount.
    [3] Open File Explorer.
    [4] Double-click the Mounted Drive to open it.
    [5] Double-click setup.exe.
    [6] Choose the Upgrade option.
    [7] Select Change what to keep.
    [8] Select EITHER, Keep Personal Files and Apps, Keep Personal Files Only, or Nothing.
    [9] Unmount the ISO by right-clicking the mounted drive and selecting Eject.

    The ONLY downside is that you could possibly lose some of your personalizations.

    Recommendations:

    DISABLE ANY Non-Microsoft . . .

    • Antivirus Software.
    • Firewall software.
    • Drive Encryption Software

    I hope this helps.
    Last edited by Paul Black; 25 Dec 2020 at 19:12.
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  9. ksio89
    Posts : 210
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Yeah, killing and estarting Windows Explorer process didn't work either. And the link from Microsoft Answers didn't help me as usual, someone was recommending the user to uninstall video drivers lol.

    I managed to find an ISO that is the same build as the current one, hoping that I could indeed do an in-place upgrade and thus keep all installed applications, glad that's possible. Anyway, thanks a lot for the help and for the tutorial above, I really appreciate it.
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  10. Paul Black
    Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       New #8

    Hello @ksio89,

    ksio89 said:
    I managed to find an ISO that is the same build as the current one, I downloaded it in order to see if I could indeed do an in-place upgrade and keep all installed applications. Thanks a lot for the help and for the tutorial above, I really appreciate it.

    You are VERY welcome. Make sure that the ISO is also the same bit type.

    IMPORTANT: BEFORE you do anything, create a System Image FIRST.

    If you need advice or instructions on this, then please let us know.

    I hope this helps.
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  12. Paul Black
    Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       New #9

    Hello @ksio89,

    You say that when you use press the Win + E together, that File Explorer opens instantly. This leads me to believe that it could be a problem with the Quick Access Cache. Delete this Cache and then Stop and Start File Explorer to see if it resolves the problem . . .

    [1] Press the Win + X keys together and select Command Prompt (Admin).
    [2] Type the following three commands into the Elevated CMD Prompt and press ENTER after each . . .

    del /f /q %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\*
    taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
    start explorer.exe

    I hope this helps.
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  13. ksio89
    Posts : 210
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       New #10

    Thanks for the help again, but its too late now, I have already reinstalled Windows, and the issue has been fixed. Pretty sure it was one of those completely random Windows issues that users report all the time, and that only a reinstall can solve. As soon as I logged in, I created a system restore point just to be sure. The only problem now, yet very minor, is that I lost all customizations and file associations, but it was expected. On the other hand, after deleting Windows.old folder, I have more free space in system partition than before the upgrade, that's pretty good.

    Once again, thank you very much for the help and good old Shawn for the tutorial, and shame on Windows for bugging by itself for no reason and requiring me to reinstall it.
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