Can't open file explorer, windows 8.1

[Connor Doughty]

If I click on file explorer, my computer will pause for a second, then just goes back to the home screen. Nothing happens.

Also, if I click on the recycle bin and then go to documents and try to right click on a file to delete it, it does the same thing. Yes, my updates are automatically installed and completely up to date.

 

[Prostar Computer]

Open an elevated command prompt and type the following command: sfc /scannow

Steps on opening an elevated command prompt here: http/technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ff184577.aspx

Hopefully that helps. If not, run a thorough malware scan. The worst case scenario is that you'll have to use the factory recovery.

 

[Moose Borrowdale]

Just found the solution for me. The windows that open for File Explorer and Excel were hidden over to the right of the screen. By dragging them across (I couldn't see them, just guessed they were there) they pulled across and voilà, problem solved. Hope this solves your problem too.

 

[whatcode]

Just found the solution for me. The windows that open for File Explorer and Excel were hidden over to the right of the screen. By dragging them across (I couldn't see them, just guessed they were there) they pulled across and voilà, problem solved. Hope this solves your problem too.

Moose Borrowdale, I am sorry, I do not understand your solution. What do you when you say they were hidden to the right of the screen? What did you drag? How did you guess they were there? Please explain.

 

[AdiCoolio]

I still can't open my File Explorer, it has to do with playing games on fullscreen. On some games, if you go to fullscreen, the apps running in the background will disappear. Any help?

 

[beckhamh]

Connor ... Did you find a solution to this problem? My windows 8.1 PC just developed the identical problem. If you solved it, please post a response to this thread.

 

[Aztech God]

Check your display settings to make sure it's not set for dual monitors. I had this issue where the file was opening on second monitor that wasn't connected

 

[Tarun Tyagi]

go to your screen resolution settings, in that go to "multiple displays menu" and select "show desktop only on 1", apply these settings and everything will be fine.

 

[HipHopAppotamous]

I still can't open my File Explorer, it has to do with playing games on fullscreen. On some games, if you go to fullscreen, the apps running in the background will disappear. Any help?

Press Windows Key + P and click on desktop only

 

[Alice_]

go to your screen resolution settings, in that go to "multiple displays menu" and select "show desktop only on 1", apply these settings and everything will be fine.

This worked perfectly for me! Thank you, I've been looking for how to solve this for ages.

 

[Mineum]

Check your display settings to make sure it's not set for dual monitors. I had this issue where the file was opening on second monitor that wasn't connected

thank you so much 😀 ! it workes

 

[Whitley]

Just found the solution for me. The windows that open for File Explorer and Excel were hidden over to the right of the screen. By dragging them across (I couldn't see them, just guessed they were there) they pulled across and voilà, problem solved. Hope this solves your problem too.

This solved my issue. Thanks

 

[Ralas_]

go to your screen resolution settings, in that go to "multiple displays menu" and select "show desktop only on 1", apply these settings and everything will be fine.

I've had this same problem as well. Thank you so much! you're a life saver!

 

[rpgoodkin]

What I've learned is that a) File (Windows) Explorer stopping working is extremely common, b) there are scores of fixes online, c) most of these fixes either don't work at all or they work for one in a hundred users and d) the only reliable 'fix' is to reinstall the 8.1 OS (not a fun prospect). But there is a workaround. I purchased Xplorer2 for $29.95 and it seems to be working just fine. It does everything that File (Windows) Explorer was doing before it decided to stop working. I hate to spend $30 for what is already bundled in the Windows OS, but I have already wasted hours on this.