Windows Explorer is a tool that everyone uses every day. However, even though it may seem simple, have you ever experienced some minor frustrations, such as slow performance, strange file display, or trouble searching?
In this article, we've gathered all the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Windows Explorer and their answers in one place.
If you bookmark this page, it will surely help you if you encounter any problems with Explorer.
Basics of the new Windows 11 Explorer and differences from Win10
When migrating from Windows 10 to 11, the first thing that will confuse you is the major changes in File Explorer. Before diving into full-scale troubleshooting, let's first understand the basics of using the new File Explorer and the main differences from Windows 10.
- When I open Explorer, the C drive and D drive don't appear!
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Don't worry. This is not a malfunction or defect. In Windows 11, the first screen you see when you open File Explorer is the "Home" screen. This article explains in an easy-to-understand way how to set it so that the "This PC" screen, which displays the C: drive, etc., is the first screen you see.
- I want to know the changes from Windows 10 and basic operations of the new Explorer.
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This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the new command bar, tab functionality, right-click menu, and more, with comparisons to Windows 10. By reading this article first, you'll no longer feel uncomfortable with the new File Explorer.
File and Folder Operations Help
- When I moved a folder, it was automatically merged with a folder of the same name!
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By default, Windows 11 merges folders without warning. However, you can change the settings to display a confirmation warning message. This article explains how to safely configure this setting.
- I searched in File Explorer but I can't find the file...
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The reason for this lies in how Windows searches work, which is explained in detail in this article.
- Every time I click on a folder it opens in a new window!
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This is not a malfunction and is usually due to a folder options setting.
- I can't delete it because it says, "The operation can't be completed because another program has the folder or file open. Please close the folder or file and try again."
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This can be a tricky situation when an application is holding onto a file and won't let go. This article shows you some techniques to identify which process is using the file and safely delete it.
- I can't open or run the downloaded EXE file (app).
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Security software settings or Windows protection features can sometimes block downloaded programs from running. This article explains how to identify the cause and how to safely open files.
Appearance and customization help
The appearance of Windows Explorer has a significant impact on your daily work efficiency. Here, we will introduce various customization techniques to turn your PC into a tool that is uniquely yours and easy to use.
Right-click menu enhancements
- Adding frequently used functions to the right-click menu
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By simply editing the registry, you can make the right-click menu incredibly useful. This article explains how to customize it in various ways, such as adding submenus and implementing the "Copy to Folder" function.
- I want to add "Create New Folder" to the old right-click menu in Windows 11
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We will explain how to directly add the "Create New Folder" item to the old right-click menu.
- I want to make the right-click menu on the desktop more convenient.
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The right-click menu on the desktop is one of the places you spend most of your time, so here's how to add shortcuts to your favorite apps or change the "Display Settings" to a different function.
- I want to add "Select All" and frequently used app functions to the right-click menu
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Adding basic functions like "Select All" and convenient functions for frequently used apps like "7-Zip" to the right-click menu can dramatically speed up your daily tasks. This article explains how to easily customize it.
- I want to be able to open the Control Panel etc. directly when I right-click on the "Trash"
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This is a secret trick that turns the right-click menu of the trash can, which you don't usually use, into a convenient launcher.
- "Text Document" has disappeared from the "New" right-click menu!
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This commonly reported issue in Windows 11 can be fixed with a simple registry edit. This article provides safe steps to restore the missing "Text Document" option to the right-click menu. If the "New" menu itself is missing, this article also works.
Customize the Explorer itself
- I really want to use the Windows 10 ribbon UI!
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We have released a homemade tool to safely restore the ribbon UI that was discontinued in Windows 11. Because it does not replace system files, there is no need to worry about problems with Windows Update.
- I want to always open folders in a new tab in File Explorer.
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This article explains how to change your settings so that double-clicking a folder always opens it in a new tab.
- I want to display personal folders such as "Documents" in "This PC" in Explorer like in the old days.
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You can bring back personal folders in the "This PC" view, just like in Windows 10.
- What is the thick black frame that appears when you select a file?
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This is not a malfunction or defect, but a new feature introduced to improve accessibility in Windows 11. For more information on why this design was adopted, please see this article.
- I want to always open the Explorer window in the same place and size.
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If you find it troublesome to adjust the window position and size every time, we will explain how to always open Explorer at a specified position and size.
- I want to add my own "Comments" field to the file details display.
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We'll show you how to customize the detailed view in Explorer so you can leave your own notes (comments) for each file.
- The "Minimize," "Maximize," and "Close" buttons in the top right corner of Explorer are small and difficult to press!
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The three buttons in the top right corner of Windows Explorer in Windows 11 can be made larger and easier to press by simply editing the registry. This article explains the detailed steps.
- The letters are faint and difficult to read/small
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Many users find the text in the Settings and Start menu too light and difficult to read. This article explains how to change the text size and darkness in Windows 11.
- I wish Explorer had the "open closed tab" feature that web browsers have!
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I have released a homemade tool that can restore accidentally closed folders or tab configurations that were lost due to automatic restarts with a single hotkey. It has been assessed as safe by Microsoft. (Supported OS: Windows 11）
Other customizations
- I want to prevent the layout of my desktop icons from getting messed up every time I restart my computer.
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We'll introduce you to a handy tool that lets you save the neatly aligned layout of your desktop icons and easily restore them at any time.
- I want to change the name of the file type ("Text Document") to something I like.
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This article explains how to freely change the name displayed in the "Kind" column in Explorer by editing the registry.
タスクバーのカスタマイズ
- The taskbar preview displays unnecessary text, making it difficult to see.
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We'll explain why "Folder name - Explorer" appears in the Explorer preview and how to hide it to make things look neater.
- I want to be able to restart Explorer immediately when it freezes.
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We'll show you how to add a convenient shortcut that will allow you to restart Explorer in one go from the taskbar, without having to open Task Manager.
- I want to see the accent color on the Start and taskbar even in light mode
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Due to Windows specifications, "Settings > Personalization > Colors" - "Show accent color on Start and taskbar" can only be selected when the mode is set to "Dark" or "Custom." If you are in "Light Mode," it is grayed out and cannot be changed. We have created a tool that allows you to select this.
ディスクの管理
- I don't have enough space on my C drive. I want to create a D drive to separate my data.
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We will explain in an easy-to-understand manner, even for beginners, the steps to safely create (partition) a new drive (such as D drive) using free space on the C drive.
Help with icon and display issues
Visual issues with Windows are common, such as strange icon display or icons disappearing from the desktop. The cause may be surprisingly simple. Let's look at the solutions one by one.
Desktop Icon Problems
- Desktop icons move or disappear on their own
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There are various causes for this, such as settings being changed without your knowledge or a system malfunction. This article summarizes the often overlooked root causes of icons disappearing or moving on their own, and how to deal with them.
- Desktop icons are displayed strangely, some icons have turned white, or all icons have turned transparent
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This could be due to a corrupted icon cache or a problem with your system files. This article provides basic troubleshooting steps to fix icon display issues.
- The icons in the Start menu have become transparent and have strange names like "ms-resource:App..."
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This is a display issue that has been reported after certain Windows Updates. This article explains the cause of this issue and provides specific steps to restore normal icon display.
- An arrow appears in the bottom left corner of the desktop icon
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This is a Windows specification and is a mark that appears on the shortcut icon. You can remove (hide) it using a tool I created.
File Explorer and file display issues
- Folder icons have a black border or file icons are blurred
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These display issues, which are sometimes reported in Windows 11, are often caused by issues with the icon cache or File Explorer itself. Detailed steps are explained in this article.
- The preview in Explorer is not updated and remains an old image.
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If file preview isn't working properly, it may be due to folder options settings or associations with specific apps. This article explains how to fix it.
- When opening File Explorer in dark mode or creating a new tab (Ctrl + T or clicking "+"), the window flashes white for a moment.
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If you are using Dark Mode (Windows 11), you may experience a "flash bang" issue in File Explorer after installing the December 2025 update. This article explains how to resolve this issue.
- "QTTabBar" disappears from Explorer after installing December 2025 update
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Preview updates for Windows 11 (24H2/25H2) released on December 1, 2025 KB5070311 After applying the new version, it has been confirmed that the toolbar for the free software "QTTabBar," which adds tab functionality to Windows Explorer, may no longer be displayed (or may disappear). This article explains the solution.
Device display issues
- When I insert a USB memory stick or SD card, it doesn't appear in Explorer.
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This could be a drive letter conflict, a driver issue, or possibly a new Windows feature.
Window display and operation issues
- Application windows are blurry
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"Scale and Layout" is a feature that adjusts the display size of text, apps, and other items all at once. After changing this setting, the entire window of some applications may become blurry. This article explains the cause of the blurry effect and how to fix it.
The window becomes blurry after changing the "Scaling" setting in "Scaling and Layout"
- All windows and text on the screen become larger and cannot be restored.
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The "Scale and Layout" feature, which adjusts the display size of text, apps, and other items all at once, has a setting called "Custom Scaling" that allows you to fine-tune the size. If you set this to a large value such as 500%, it becomes difficult to restore it. This article explains how to restore it even in such cases.
Win10/Win11 Solved! Unable to select "Zoom in/out" after changing custom scaling
- The window below the active window is scrolled
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In Windows 10/11 default settings,ActiveWhen the mouse cursor is over a window that is underneath another window, you can scroll by rolling the middle mouse button back and forth. This feature can be enabled or disabled in the settings.
Other display customizations
- Right click menu is slow to appear...
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You can speed up the speed at which context menu submenus appear by editing the registry.
- I want to reset file associations to the initial state before installing the app.
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As you try out different apps, your file associations may change unexpectedly. This article explains how to reset them to their default state by editing the registry.
- I want to change the font used by the Windows 11 system.
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By default, Windows 11 uses the "Yu Gothic UI" font, which can be changed to another font, such as "Meiryo," using a tool I created.
Performance (Slow/Heavy) Help
"My Windows Explorer is freezing" or "My PC is suddenly slow"... Slow PC performance is one of the most frustrating issues. Here we've gathered help to help you isolate the cause and get your PC running smoothly again.
The entire PC is running slowly
- The overall performance of your computer has suddenly become slower
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There are many reasons why your PC may be slow, such as Windows Update or installing new apps. This article will help you identify the cause by listing the basic check items you should check first.
- I want Windows 11 to run smoothly and quickly.
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Windows 11 has various settings to improve performance, such as turning off unnecessary services and disabling visual effects. This article explains some basic and effective ways to make your computer run faster.
- Your PC starts up and shuts down noticeably slower than before
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We will explain specific settings to shorten startup and shutdown times, such as reviewing startup apps and setting up fast startup.
- Since upgrading to Windows 11, I've noticed a general slowdown in my PC's performance.
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If you experience poor performance immediately after upgrading, you may be able to recover by adjusting some settings. This article explains basic recovery steps to optimize Windows 11 performance.
- My laptop becomes slow only when I connect the AC adapter and charge it.
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Slow performance while charging is often related to power settings or heat issues. This article explains the unexpected causes and specific solutions.
Fixing freezes and "not responding"
- Explorer is "Not Responding" and freezes frequently
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If the "Not Responding" message occurs frequently, there are several possible causes. This article will help you isolate the cause and provide specific solutions.
- When I try to rename a folder, it always freezes.
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If the freeze occurs during a specific operation (such as renaming), it may be due to a Windows bug or a third-party application.
- The taskbar or start menu is unresponsive or freezes
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This is a very frustrating problem where the basic Windows UI becomes unresponsive. We will explain how to safely restart the UI.
Settings and tools to speed up your PC
- I want to know the important settings that will bring out the true performance of my PC.
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PC performance is largely determined not only by the CPU, but also by settings deep within the OS, such as the chipset driver and power plan. We will explain how to optimize these settings and get 100% of your PC's performance.
- Is there an easier way to make your PC lighter?
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I've developed a number of free tools that will help you safely speed up your PC in just a few minutes. These include a tool that streamlines power plan management and a tool that automatically deletes unnecessary prefetch files.
System maintenance and repair
- I feel like Windows Update has made things worse.
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Windows 11 has a new feature that allows Windows Update to fix any issues caused by updates.
- I want to check if my Windows system files are corrupted.
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Windows comes with a powerful tool called "System File Checker" that checks whether important files in the OS are corrupted and automatically repairs them. We will explain how to use it in detail.
Certain operations become slow
- When copying, extracting, or deleting files, your PC becomes abnormally slow.
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If your PC slows down when performing certain file operations, it may be due to your security software or search index. Here are some things to check to identify the cause.
- The taskbar is not displayed or is extremely slow
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Taskbar issues are a serious problem that affects the overall operation of Windows. This article explains the causes and solutions.
System Maintenance and Advanced Settings
- Should I disable the SuperFetch (SysMain) service? What should I do if my computer starts up slowly?
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Disabling SuperFetch (SysMain) is often touted as a technique for speeding up your PC. We'll delve deeper into its true effects and what to do if it actually slows down your PC's startup.
- I want to make the PC run faster immediately after starting up and after signing in.
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You can further reduce the load immediately after signing in by reviewing not only startup apps but also the Task Scheduler settings. We will explain some slightly more advanced techniques.
- Can drive errors affect PC performance?
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Yes, even small errors on your HDD or SSD can cause the entire system to become unstable and slow down. This article explains the importance of regular error checking and how to easily perform it.
Critical Errors and Troubleshooting
Here we will explain how to solve serious system errors and problems that are difficult to identify the cause of, such as "Memory has been written...", which you may encounter while using Explorer.
- I get the error "Memory could not be written"
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This is a serious error that occurs when an application cannot access memory correctly. There are many possible causes, but this article will explain each possible cause one by one and provide detailed solutions.
- "explorer.exe – Application Error" frequently appears
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This is a serious error that indicates a problem with File Explorer itself. This could be due to a corrupted system file or a conflict with specific software. This article explains the cause and solution.
- When I try to open an image file, the message "File system error" appears.
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This error (-2147219196) can cause problems with file associations or system components. This article provides specific troubleshooting steps.
- I get a popup saying "svchost.exe – System Error"
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svchost.exeis a critical Windows process. This error suggests a possible problem with a system file. We'll explain the steps to identify the cause and resolve the issue. - When I try to start the app, I get the message "Interface not supported."
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This error occurs when a specific program component isn't registered correctly. This article explains the cause of this somewhat unusual error and how to fix it using commands.
For more solutions to problems not listed here, please seeGeneral problem solvingPlease see the " category.
Privacy and History Help
To improve your work efficiency, File Explorer remembers the folders you've opened and the keywords you've searched for. However, many people don't want others to see this "history," or they want to use it in a clean state. Here, we'll explain the settings related to privacy.
- I want to delete or not save my search history or access history in Windows Explorer.
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You can completely control the history that Windows Explorer remembers by changing your Windows settings. This article explains in detail how to delete the history and even prevent it from being saved in the future.
Help with Taskbar Behavior
The taskbar works closely with Windows Explorer. Any issues with it can affect the overall usability of your PC. We've compiled solutions to issues like the taskbar disappearing or freezing.
- After a Windows Update, the taskbar became unresponsive!
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This is a problem that is often reported after certain major updates. This article explains how to deal with the issue if the taskbar freezes after the "24H2" update.
- The taskbar has disappeared or icons are missing
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The Explorer process may be unstable. This article explains how to quickly resolve issues such as the taskbar disappearing or icons not displaying with a single command.
- I want to prevent the taskbar from being hidden behind other windows.
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If the taskbar is hidden when displaying certain windows and is inconvenient, we have released a convenient homemade tool to keep it always on top.
Disk space and management help
The bar for the C drive is red in File Explorer... We've compiled some frequently asked questions and solutions regarding free disk space.
- My C: drive is full and I want to know what's taking up space.
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Using Windows 11's Storage Settings, you can easily see which files and apps are taking up space. You might also notice unexpected files taking up space. This article explains how to identify the cause and take steps to free up space.
- I want to free up more space. Are there any files I can safely delete?
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The standard Windows Disk Cleanup tool actually contains hidden items. This article explains some advanced techniques to unhide these hidden items and safely free up several gigabytes of disk space.
Explorer operation techniques and Q&A
Here we will introduce some more advanced techniques to help you use Explorer more conveniently, and answer questions that many people often have trouble with: "How do I do this?"
- I want to take a screenshot with the right-click menu displayed.
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Standard Windows features (
PrtScKeys andWin+Shift+S) Sometimes the right-click menu disappears. However, there is a simple way to fix this problem. This is a must-read for anyone writing instructional articles. - I want to save frequently used search criteria in Explorer.
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If you often search for files by a specific file format or update date, you can save the search criteria and perform the same search any time with just one click. This article explains how to use this convenient feature.
Summary
Here we have compiled some frequently asked questions about Windows Explorer and their solutions.
Explorer is the most basic part of Windows, and your ability to use it will make a big difference in how comfortable you are with your PC. We hope this article will be the ultimate help desk that will turn your problems into understanding.
This article will be updated as new information becomes available. Please come back to this page if you encounter any problems with Windows Explorer.
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