Top 10 Ways to Fix File Explorer Stuck with "Working on" Error

Even with Microsoft's ongoing improvements, the usual features of File Explorer remain the same. Sometimes, File Explorer won't open, or search stops workingOr it crashes due to the "Working on it" error. The latter is annoying and prevents you from accessing files in a folder or drive. Here are the best ways to fix the "Working on it" error on Windows 11.

Top 1024 Ways to Fix File Explorer Stuck at Working on It Message Error 576x1-10

Microsoft recently revamped the default File Explorer app on Windows. The software giant is working on another design update with new features for the next Windows release. However, File Explorer not displaying files and folders can ruin your experience at any time.

Table of Contents

1. Restart Explorer

You can simply close the File Explorer app and try opening it again. If the folder or external drive is stuck in "Working on it"So, read on for other troubleshooting tricks.

2. Restart Windows Explorer services.

Windows Explorer services run in the background during system startup. You can restart it and try your luck again.

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Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key and open Task manager.

Step 2: Find Windows Explorer and select Reboot above.

3. Download the ONEDRIVE or GOOGLE DRIVE folder when requested.

OneDrive and Google Drive support Files On-Demand on Windows. You can mirror your cloud storage files in File Explorer without taking up any space. When you experience network connection issues, the app may fail to upload such files to your computer.

First, read our troubleshooting post to fix any Wi-Fi issues on Windows and follow the steps below to download folders and files on demand.

Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + E To open file explorer.

Step 2: Go to folder OneDrive Or Google Drive. Right-click on the folder and select “Always keep this device with you.”

After the system downloads your cloud files, you'll see a green check mark below the folder or file. Whether you have an internet connection or not, these files are easily accessible without errors.

Also read: How to Fix Alt+F4 Keyboard Shortcut Not Working on Windows 10

4. Clear File Explorer history

You can clear your File Explorer history and try again.

Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + E To open File Explorer and click Three point list At the top to open options.

Step 2: Clear File Explorer history, then tap "application", Then click "OK".

5. Perform a virus scan

If your computer's hard drive or external device is affected by corrupted, fake, or malicious files, you may experience problems loading folder data. You need to use the Windows Security application to scan your computer.

Step 1: Click on Windows key, And type Windows Security And press Enter.

Step 2: Locate Protection from viruses and threats From the sidebar, open Scanning options.

Step 3: Select Custom Scan and click the button. Scan now.

The system opens the File Explorer application. Click the folder you want to scan and wait for the process to complete.

6. Reconnect an external device.

If you didn't connect your external drive properly, your drive's folders may display missing files and folders. You'll need to reconnect your external drive. If Your Windows PC has not detected a hard drive.Please read the troubleshooting post to fix the issue.

7. Rebuilding the search index

Rebuilding the search index is another effective way to fix File Explorer errors.

Also read: Fix Windows 10 Update 1903 Blocked by Intel Rapid Storage Driver iastora.sys

Step 1: Click on Windows key and search for Indexing options. Here.

Step 2: Open Advanced menu.

Step 3: select button Rebuild.

Close the menu, restart your computer, and try opening the folders again. Keep reading if File Explorer is still stuck on the message "Working on it."

8. Optimize folders

If a particular folder contains images, videos, PDFs, and other documents, you should optimize it for general items. You can do the same for all subfolders as well.

For example, if your PDF folder is optimized for images, you may encounter these issues. Follow the steps below to make the changes.

Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + E To open File Explorer Right-click on the folder. Open Properties.

Step 2: Go to Customization menu.

Step 3: Expand the menu "best for" Select General Items. Click "Application" and select "OK".

9. Delete automatic destination files

This trick has worked for many to fix the “working on it” error in File Explorer.

Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + E To open File Explorer And move to the next path:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Step 2: Locate All files And delete it from your computer.

10. Windows Update

Microsoft updates File Explorer with Windows releases. You can install the latest system update to fix File Explorer errors.

Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + I To open an application Settings and select Windows Update from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Download the Latest programs And install it on your computer.

Access your File Explorer files

File Explorer stuck due to a "working on" error can prevent you from accessing important files on your computer. What trick worked for you? Share your results with others in the comments below.