If you experience lag, slow response, or freezing issues with File Explorer on Windows 11, even on a high-end PC, follow these troubleshooting steps to improve its performance.

Step 1: Change File Explorer’s Default Startup Folder

Windows 11 opens File Explorer to the “Home” view by default, which can cause slowdowns. Change it to open to “This PC” instead:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
2. Click the View menu (three dots) and select Options.
3. Under the General tab, find Open File Explorer to and select This PC.
4. Click Apply and OK.

Step 2: Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer keeps a history of recently accessed files and folders, which can cause lag.

1. Press Windows + R, type control folders, and hit Enter.
2. In the General tab, under Privacy, click Clear.
3. Restart your computer and check if File Explorer runs smoothly.

Step 3: Disable Quick Access for Network Drives

If you have network drives pinned to Quick Access, File Explorer may lag while trying to connect. Remove them:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click any network drive under Quick Access and click Unpin from Quick Access.
3. Create a folder and add shortcuts to network drives instead.

Step 4: Disable OneDrive Integration

OneDrive syncing can slow down File Explorer. To disable it:

1. 1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select Settings.
   2. Go to the Settings tab and uncheck Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.
   3. Restart your computer.
   4. If the problem persists, uninstall OneDrive by running the following command in Command Prompt (Admin):

winget uninstall Microsoft.OneDrive

Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer Process

Restarting Windows Explorer can help if File Explorer becomes unresponsive.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.

Step 6: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

If File Explorer is still slow, run these commands to repair system files:

1. 1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
   2. Run:

sfc /scannow

1. 1. Once completed, run:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Restart your PC and check File Explorer’s performance.

Step 7: Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

Ensure your system is up to date:

• Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any pending updates.
• Update graphics drivers from your manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

For more “Windows 11” solutions, please check our Windows 11.