If you’re a Windows 11 user, you might have encountered a frustrating issue: File Explorer gets stuck on a “Still working on it” screen, preventing you from accessing your files. This can disrupt your workflow and cause unnecessary delays. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can try to resolve this problem and get File Explorer functioning smoothly again. Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Method 1: Clear File Explorer Cache
One common reason for the “Still working on it” message is a corrupted cache in File Explorer. Here’s how you can clear it:
- Open the Run Command:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Navigate to the Cache Folder:
- Copy and paste the following file path into the Run dialog:
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations - Click OK to open the folder.
- Delete the Cache Files:
- Once you’re in the AutomaticDestinations folder, delete all the files inside. This will clear the recent file cache.
- Restart Your PC:
- Restart your computer to apply the changes and check if the problem persists.
Clearing the cache can often resolve issues related to file access and performance in File Explorer.
Method 2: Perform a Clean Boot
If clearing the cache doesn’t fix the issue, a clean boot might help. A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, allowing you to determine if a background program is causing the problem.
- Open System Configuration:
- Type msconfig in the search box on the taskbar and select System Configuration from the search results.
- Disable Non-Microsoft Services:
- Go to the Services tab.
- Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all to turn off non-Microsoft services.
- Disable Startup Items:
- Switch to the Startup tab.
- Click Open Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager under the Startup tab, disable all startup items by selecting each item and clicking Disable.
- Apply and Restart:
- Close Task Manager.
- Go back to the System Configuration window and click OK.
- Restart your computer.
After the restart, your system will be running in a clean boot environment. Check if the File Explorer issue is resolved. If it is, you can enable the services and startup items one by one to identify which one is causing the issue.
Conclusion
Encountering the “Still working on it” message in File Explorer can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting methods, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Start by clearing the File Explorer cache, and if that doesn’t work, proceed with a clean boot to identify potential conflicts with background programs. If you continue to experience problems, consider seeking additional support or contacting Microsoft for further assistance.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or need further help!
