How to fix Windows 11 File Explorer hanging or not responding when opening network folders

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Windows 11 File Explorer hanging or not responding when opening network folders. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

If Windows 11 File Explorer hangs or stops responding when you open network folders, the issue is usually caused by network discovery settings, slow DNS resolution, or an unreliable connection to your office server. This guide walks you through the steps to restore normal browsing performance for shared files.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your computer and try opening the network folder again.
2. Confirm your device is connected to the correct business Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
3. Open File Explorer using Win + E and navigate to This PC instead of Network, then enter the server path directly (for example: \\servername\share).
4. If the folder opens successfully, the issue is likely related to network browsing rather than your connection to the server.

Detailed Instructions

1. Restart the Workstation service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. In the Services window, locate Workstation in the list.
3. Right-click Workstation and select Restart.
4. Close Services and test File Explorer again.

2. Disable Quick Access and open This PC by default

1. Open File Explorer and click See more (the three dots) in the command bar.
2. Select Options to open Folder Options.
3. Under Open File Explorer to, choose This PC from the dropdown menu.
4. Under Privacy, clear the checkboxes for recently used files and folders if desired.
5. Click OK and reopen File Explorer.

3. Map the network drive instead of browsing

1. Open File Explorer and select This PC from the left pane.
2. Click Map network drive in the command bar.
3. Choose a drive letter and enter the folder path (for example: \\fileserver\shared).
4. Select Reconnect at sign-in if you want the drive to appear automatically.
5. Click Finish.

4. Check network adapter power settings

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your active adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
4. Open the Power Management tab.
5. Clear the checkbox Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
6. Click OK and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting

File Explorer still hangs on a specific folder

• Try accessing the folder from another computer on the same network. If it hangs there too, the issue may be with the server or the shared folder itself.
• Check that your computer has the correct permissions to access the share. Contact your administrator if you receive an access denied message.

Network folders are slow but local files open normally

• Run a speed test to confirm your internet and local network connection are stable.
• If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to your access point or connect via Ethernet for better reliability.
• Restart your router or network switch if multiple users are experiencing the same issue.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services and our Brisbane support team will investigate further.

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Still Having Issues?