Can't open file explorer, windows 8.1

Connor Doughty

Estimable
Sep 18, 2014
1
0
4,510
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.
 
Solution
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

Estimable
Dec 15, 2014
1
0
4,520
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.
 
Solution

whatcode

Estimable
Jan 31, 2015
1
0
4,510

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

Estimable
Feb 6, 2015
1
0
4,510
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

Estimable
Apr 14, 2015
1
0
4,510
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.


 

HipHopAppotamous

Estimable
Aug 22, 2015
1
0
4,510


Press Windows Key + P and click on desktop only
 

Alice_

Estimable
Oct 3, 2015
1
0
4,510


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

Mineum

Estimable
Dec 27, 2015
1
0
4,510

thank you so much :D ! it workes
 

Whitley

Commendable
Aug 2, 2016
1
0
1,510


This solved my issue. Thanks
 

Ralas_

Prominent
Apr 26, 2017
1
0
510


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

rpgoodkin

Prominent
Aug 13, 2017
1
0
510
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.