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Fix: Windows Explorer Freezes When Creating New Folder
Corrupt system files are among the main causes of this issue
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
File organization and managementis an integral part of computers. Windows Explorer does this job excellently on Windows PC but not without flaws, as some users complain that it freezes when creating a new folder.
This might be because of interference from third-party software or other factors. Irrespective of the cause, this guide contains detailed steps to fix the issue.
Why is Windows Explorer freezing when creating a new folder?
Below are some of the factors that can cause Windows Explorer to freeze when creating a new folder:
How can I fix File Explorer freezes in Windows 10?
Before proceeding to the detailed fixes in this section of this guide, below are some preliminary troubleshooting steps to perform:
If the steps above do not solve the problem, you can delve into the solutions below:
1. Restart Explorer.exe
In some cases, Windows Explorer might freeze when creating a new folder because the explorer.exe process encountered a problem. A simple restart should fix the issue in the case and restore normalcy.
2. Update drivers
Updating all your drivers can be long and tedious if you do it manually. Thus, we suggest updating your drivers automatically with a dedicated tool.
Outbyte Driver Updaterwill automatically identify each device on your computer and match it with the latest driver versions from an extensive online database.
Drivers can then be updated in batches or one at a time without requiring the user to make complex decisions.
What you need to do is download the tool and launch it., Updating all essential drivers for your device is a two-click process only and doesn’t require any technical knowledge.
Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Tweak your Registry
If the paths listed above are unavailable on our computer, go to the next solution.
3. Tweak Shell extensions in the registry
If you’re having trouble editing the registry, readthis handy guideand find the quickest solutions.
4. Run an SFC scan
5. Reset your PC
6. Update the OS
Outdated OS versions and drivers may also trigger File Explorer freezes. Installing the latest Windows OS updates and driver versions can fix this problem within minutes.
The quickest way to do this is by using Windows Update.
7. Disable wallpaper slideshow
ManyWindows 10users confirmed that disablingwallpaper slideshowfixed the problem.
So, if you enabled wallpaper slideshow, try turning the feature off to see ifFile Explorercontinues to crash.
8. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter
Check our detailed guide if you’re looking for thebest PC maintenance softwareavailable now.
Microsoft’s System Maintenance Troubleshooter is a powerful tool that finds and cleans up unused files and shortcuts and performs maintenance tasks.
9.Hide hidden files and folders
Windows 10 allows you to hide specific files and folders so that not all users can access them. However, in rare cases, enabling the option to showhidden filesand folders may surprisingly triggerFile Explorerfreezes and crashes.
10. Turn off Quick Access and File Preview
11. Perform an in-place upgrade
So these were our troubleshooting methods in case File Explorer freezes when creating a new folder. All you need to do now is follow the instructions carefully, and things should return to normal.
IfFile Explorer keeps crashing on Windows 10, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.
Tell us which one worked for you. Use the comments section.
More about the topics:crash,File Explorer,windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
