If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 and are facing frustrating delays when opening File Explorer, you’re not alone. Many users have reported the application taking 15 to 20 seconds or more to display drives, particularly following hardware changes or OS upgrades. This issue can be particularly vexing, especially when everything else on the system operates smoothly.
Understanding the Problem
The problem typically arises during the initial launch of File Explorer post-login, where a brief message indicating “working on it…” appears, delaying access to your drives. Interestingly, once the drives finally appear, subsequent access tends to be normal unless too much time passes before the next open, leading to yet another lengthy load time.
This specific delay often seems exacerbated for users who have transitioned their SSDs from one machine to another. For instance, one user noted experiencing this issue after moving an SSD with Windows 10 installed from one laptop (Fujitsu u7410) to another (Dell Vostro 15 3530), upgrading the OS in the process. Pre-migration, the Fujitsu presented no such delays, suggesting that the new hardware could be contributing to the slowdown.
Possible Causes
Several factors may lead to this slow loading time in File Explorer:
- Network Configuration Issues: Mapped drives may require specific registry settings or network profiles conducive to smooth operation following a hardware transition.
- Indexing Problems: Upon upgrading, systems may re-build indices, which could lead to initial sluggishness in accessing files. Once this process completes, one would generally expect improvements, but in some cases, issues persist.
- System Performance Variances: Although the SSD’s health may be excellent, other hardware discrepancies, such as a constantly operating fan or additional background tasks, may affect performance.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
If you’re experiencing these delays, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Update Drivers and BIOS: Ensure that all drivers and the BIOS are updated, as outdated versions can contribute to performance issues.
- Network Stability Check: Investigate DNS settings and verify overall network connectivity, especially for domain-enabled environments.
- Explorer Cache Clearing: Try restarting
explorer.exe, clearing the File Explorer cache, and employing thesfc /scannowandDISMcommands to address potential corruption. - Service Optimization: Disable non-essential services and startup applications—this can lighten the load on system resources at boot.
- Indexing Settings: Consider rebuilding the index or adjusting indexing options to see if that alleviates the delay. Disabling Quick Access has also worked for some users.
User Feedback and Community Support
Curiously, many users have taken to various forums to share their experiences. If you’re dealing with a similar issue, reaching out for community support can be invaluable. Engaging with others who have experienced this delay can provide insights into effective fixes that may not be widely known.
Conclusion
While slow load times in File Explorer following a Windows 11 upgrade can be frustrating, a systematic troubleshooting approach can often yield positive results. By checking for hardware compatibility, network issues, and system indexing, users can mitigate the delay and restore efficiency to their file management experience. If you’ve encountered this issue or have suggestions for fixes, sharing your feedback can aid in the collective resolution of this common Windows 11 challenge.
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