FIX: New folders cause File Explorer to freeze in Windows 10

Note: Before you proceed, don’t forget to backup your system. In case anything goes wrong, you will be able to restore a working version of Windows.

6. Uninstall Autodesk Inventor

Usually, the application Autodesk Inventor might cause several issues with your File Explorer if you have it installed on a  Windows 10 operating system. Therefore, please uninstall this application and reboot your Windows device.

If you don’t know how to uninstall programs and apps in Windows 10, take a look at this useful article.

We can also recommend this list of dedicated uninstallers to use on Windows 10 devices for safe a complete app or program removal. 

7. Update the OS

Go to Settings > Update & Security > click on Check for updates.

File Explorer freezes may also be triggered by outdated OS versions and outdated drivers. You can fix this problem within minutes by installing the latest Windows OS updates and driver versions.

The quickest way to do this is by using Windows Update. If you can’t open the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue quickly.

Having trouble updating your Windows? Solve the problem in no time with this guide.

8. Disable wallpaper slideshow

Many Windows 10 users confirmed that disabling wallpaper slideshow fixed the problem.

Whenever the background/theme colors would change it caused a spike in CPU usage that caused file Explorer to freeze up and crash. After using a static background image never had the issue again.

So, if you enabled wallpaper slideshow, try turning the feature off to see if File Explorer continues to crash.

Go to Settings > Personalization > select Background > disable Slideshow.

9. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

1. Go to Start > type System Maintenance > select Review your computer’s status and resolve issues
2. Select Maintenance
3. Scroll down and go to Troubleshooting
4. Navigate to System and Security > select Run Maintenance tasks
5. A new window will pop allowing you to troubleshoot your PC and prevent future issues
6. Click on Next and follow the on-screen instructions to fix your computer and get rid of the File Explorer freezing issue.

If you’re looking for the best PC maintenance software available right now, take a look at this list with our best picks.

Microsoft’s System Maintenance Troubleshooter is a powerful tool that finds and cleans up unused files and shortcuts and performs maintenance tasks.

10. Hide hidden files and folders

1. Go to Start > type file explorer options > select File Explorer Options from the list of results.
2. Navigate to the View tab >select Don’t show hidden files, folders or drives.
3. Click on Apply and OK to save changes.

Windows 10 allows you to hide certain files and folders so that not all users can access them. In rare cases, enabling the option to show hidden files and folders may surprisingly trigger File Explorer freezes and crashes.

10. Turn off Quick Access and File Preview

1. Open File Explorer Options just like we showed you in step 9
2. Select the General tab > set Open File Explorer to This PC.
3. Uncheck Show recently used files in Quick access and Show frequently used folders in Quick access options.
4. Click on the Clear button to clear the history as well.
5. Click on the View tab > uncheck Show preview handlers in preview pane >hit Apply and OK to save your new settings.
6. Disable the Preview pane by opening File Explorer and pressing the Alt + P keys.

No more File Explorer issues for you. Fix them all with the help of this extensive guide!

So these were our troubleshooting methods in case File Explorer freezes when you’re creating a new folder.

Tell us which one worked for you. Use the comments section.

FAQ: Learn more about File Explorer

• What else can cause File Explorer to freeze?

Besides local causes, faulty and buggy Windows updates can also cause the File Explorer to freeze under certain conditions.

• When was the File Explorer first introduced?

The first version of the File Explorer browser was introduced alongside Windows 95.

• What is the File Explorer Favorites section in Windows 10?

The Favorites section in Windows 10 is a customized list of frequently accessed files and folders that the OS arranges for you for easier access.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2015 and was revamped and updated in December 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.