Fix Slow Windows 10 File System & Explorer

This article explores ways to improve the performance of the file system and explorer in Windows 10, helping users navigate their computer more efficiently.

Speeding up Windows 10 File Explorer

To speed up the Windows 10 File Explorer, there are a few things you can do. First, disable Quick Access by going to Folder Options and selecting “Open File Explorer to:” and choosing “This PC.” Next, clear the File Explorer history under Folder Options. You can also disable the search feature, which can cause lagging, by going to Indexing Options and unchecking locations that you don’t need to search. Additionally, run a disk cleanup and defragmentation to optimize your device’s performance. Finally, make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed to fix any bugs or issues. By following these tips, your File Explorer should run faster and more efficiently.

Troubleshooting Windows 10 File Explorer Slowdowns

If your Windows 10 file explorer is running slow, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, try clearing your cache and deleting unnecessary files to free up space. You can also disable Quick Access to reduce lagging. Run a virus scan to ensure there are no PC issues affecting performance. Additionally, you can try disabling Windows Search or using a third-party file explorer like File Explorer ++. If you’re experiencing slow file transfer speed, check for Windows updates and update your drivers. If everything else fails, you can use a tool like Restoro to fix system files and improve performance. By following these tips and tricks, you can speed up your Windows 10 file explorer and make it run faster.

Updated: September 2023

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Tips for Optimizing Windows 10 File Explorer

• Clear File Explorer History:
  • Open File Explorer
  • Click on File
    
  • Select Change folder and search options
  • Under Privacy, click on Clear button
• Disable Quick Access:
  • Open File Explorer
  • Click on View
    
  • Select Options
  • Under Privacy, uncheck Show recently used files in Quick access and Show frequently used folders in Quick access
  • Click Apply and OK to save changes
• Disable Search Indexing:
  • Open Control Panel
  • Click on Indexing Options
    
  • Click on Modify
  • Uncheck all the folders
  • Click OK to save changes
• Clear Temporary Files:
  • Open Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R keys
  • Type %temp% and hit Enter
  • Select all files and folders
  • Press Shift + Delete keys to permanently delete them
    
• Disable Thumbnails:
  • Open File Explorer
  • Click on View
    
  • Select Options
  • Under View, check Always show icons, never thumbnails
  • Click Apply and OK to save changes
• Check for Malware:
  • Open Windows Security
  • Click on Virus & threat protection
  • Select Scan options
  • Select Full scan and click on Scan now
    

Disabling Unnecessary Features to Improve Windows 10 File Explorer

To improve the Windows 10 File Explorer, disabling unnecessary features can do wonders. Follow these steps to speed up your system:

1. Disable Quick Access: Go to File Explorer Options > General > Uncheck “Show frequently used folders in Quick Access” and “Show recently used files in Quick Access.”

2. Disable Search Indexing: Go to Control Panel > Indexing Options > Modify > Uncheck all locations > OK.

3. Disable File Thumbnails: Go to File Explorer Options > View > Check “Always show icons, never thumbnails.”

4. Disable Transparency Effects: Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors > Turn off “Transparency Effects.”

5. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs: Go to Task Manager > Startup > Disable programs that are not necessary.

By implementing these changes, you can significantly improve the speed of your Windows 10 File Explorer and avoid unnecessary lagging.

Running Maintenance Tasks to Fix Slow Windows 10 File Explorer

Using Diagnostic Tools to Identify Issues with Windows 10 File Explorer

If you’re experiencing issues with Windows 10 File Explorer, diagnostic tools can help identify the problem.
One helpful tool is the System File Checker, which scans for corrupted system files and repairs them.
Another tool is the Disk Cleanup utility, which can clear out temporary files and free up space on your device.
To further optimize your system, you can disable unnecessary startup programs and services using the Task Manager.
For those experiencing slow file transfer speeds, disabling the “Remote Differential Compression” feature can help.
Updating Windows can also resolve many issues, so make sure you have the latest version installed.
If these methods don’t solve the problem, consider using a PC optimization tool like Restoro, which can identify and fix a variety of system issues.

Daniel Rourke