I placed this here in Windows 10, but it also applies to Windows 11.
This is NOT a fix it all for all things that can cause File Explorer to open slowly, but it is an easy first step and in many cases fixes File Explorer being slow to open.
Quick Fix for Slowing File Explorer
Notice: This fix addresses a slow to open File Explorer due to File Explorer usage and not hardware or other software issues that could cause File Explorer to be slow to open.
What
Instructions to fix an increasingly slower responding File Explorer by clearing File Explorer’s History.
Why
File Explorer keeps a history of drive and folder views and all actions taken in File Explorer. Over time and use this File Explorer History can become very large. Using File Explorer to access drives and folders of other PCs on a Home Network greatly increases the size of the history file. This increasing in size of the history file takes longer to load when File Explorer is opened, thus taking longer and longer for File Explorer to open after you click to open. Clearing File Explorer History will make the history file is empty and small, thus loading fast which makes File Explorer open faster. Clearing File Explorer History will also clear the Recent list in the Run box.
Note: This applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How
Open File Explorer and notice how long it takes to open before clearing File Explorer history so you can see the difference clearing the history makes.
Clear File Explorer History
- Open a Run box (WinKey + R), enter control.exe folders and press the Enter key.
- This open File Explorer Options window to the General tab.
- In the Privacy section, press Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history.
- Click OK to close the window.
- Restart the PC.
- Open File Explorer and notice how much faster File Explorer opens.
HTH, Dana:))