Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If File Explorer feels slow in Windows 11, start with a restart and available updates, then check storage and system resource use. The right next step depends on whether folders are slow to open or only file searches are slow. These are general Windows troubleshooting steps—not eight guaranteed Explorer-specific fixes—and Microsoft publishes no speed gains for them.
1. Restart your PC
Restarting is a low-risk first check: it can complete pending updates and clear temporary problems. Microsoft recommends restarting when File Explorer will not open or start, and includes a restart among general performance troubleshooting steps. If Explorer is still slow afterward, continue to the next checks rather than treating a restart as a permanent fix. Microsoft’s File Explorer troubleshooting guidance covers startup failures; it does not establish that restarting fixes slow browsing.
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2. Install available Windows updates
Open Settings → Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install available updates. Restart if Windows asks you to. Updates can include fixes and performance improvements, but an update is not a guaranteed remedy for slow File Explorer. Check folder browsing again after the installation. Microsoft’s Explorer guidance and its general PC performance tips recommend checking for updates.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3. Check free space and clean up selectively
In File Explorer, open This PC and check the available space on the drive Windows and your files use. Low disk space can contribute to reduced system performance, so check space before deleting anything.
#1 Best Overall
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
- [SOLID STATE STORAGE] - This Dell Computer setup comes with an ultra-fast 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD); Setup as the primary boot device; Boot and load programs with lightning speed ; Additional expansion available
- [BUY & OWN WITH CONFIDENCE] - From the world's largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher; Quality Guarantee and Free Tech Support; Award-winning Customer Service; | Support Sustainable Business
- [MODERN HI-SPEED PORTS] - USB 3.0 (x4) | USB 2.0 (x4) | DisplayPort (x1) | HDMI Port (x1) | Audio Combo Jack (x1) | Audio Out (x1) | RJ-45 Ethernet (x1) | Internal SATA (x3)
Review cleanup choices
Open Settings → System → Storage and inspect Cleanup recommendations or Storage Sense. Cleanup recommendations let you review categories and choose what to remove; Storage Sense can automatically remove selected categories of unneeded items. Review the files and categories before proceeding. Be especially careful with a previous Windows installation: deleting it can remove the option to roll back after an upgrade. Microsoft explains Storage Sense and cleanup options.
If you need more room, external storage can help you move or keep personal files, but an external drive does not itself make File Explorer faster. Microsoft also describes external storage as an option when additional space is needed for an update.
Rank #2
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
4. Look for apps using too many resources
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. In Processes, look for apps using substantial CPU, memory, or disk resources; use the Performance view for an overall picture. An app under heavy load can affect the responsiveness of Windows, including folder browsing.
Close only applications you recognize and are not using. Do not end unfamiliar system processes just because their names are unclear. Microsoft recommends reviewing resource use and closing apps that are not needed as part of general performance troubleshooting. See Microsoft’s performance guidance.
Rank #3
- Connectivity: Includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and LAN for wireless and wired connections
- Memory: Features 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and performance
- Storage: Combines 500GB SSD and 1TB HDD for ample storage space
- Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 for crisp visuals and video playback
- Design: Sleek desktop tower with black color and slim profile for modern look
5. Disable startup apps you do not need
Apps that launch automatically can consume resources in the background. Review Windows’ Startup apps controls and turn off automatic startup only for apps you recognize and do not need running when you sign in. The precise route or labels can vary by Windows build and app; use the Startup apps controls available on your PC. Leave security software and anything whose purpose you do not understand enabled. This is a system-level performance check, not a File Explorer-specific setting. Microsoft lists startup and background activity among factors to review.
6. Adjust indexing only if file search is slow
If folders open normally but searching from File Explorer takes too long, Windows Search indexing may be relevant. The index catalogs information such as file names, paths, properties, and—depending on settings—file contents. File Explorer uses that index to find results. Microsoft describes its purpose this way: “The search index allows Windows to quickly locate and retrieve the information you need.” Read Microsoft’s explanation of Search indexing.
Rank #4
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- Effortless upgrades: The tool-less entry and removable side panel let you quickly access the internal components, making upgrades convenient and stress-free.
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- Style meets sustainability: Dell Tower Desktop seamlessly combines elegance with sustainability. Its sleek, modern design, crafted from recycled materials and featuring refined corners, makes it a stylish addition to any home or office.
Choose coverage that matches where you keep files
| Mode | Coverage | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Common user folders are indexed by default. | Balances search coverage and resource use for files in common locations. |
| Enhanced | Searches more locations across the PC. | Broader coverage may use more system resources. |
Choose based on where you store files and how your PC behaves. Disabling indexing is not a general File Explorer speed fix: it can make searches slower, and it does not address sluggish folder navigation. Microsoft’s indexing guidance explains the Classic and Enhanced options.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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7. Scan for malware when there are warning signs
Consider a malware scan if slow performance comes with suspicious symptoms or unexplained high resource use. Malware can consume system resources, but slow File Explorer alone does not show that a PC is infected. Microsoft includes malware scanning in its broader performance troubleshooting advice. See Microsoft’s general performance tips.
Best Value
- Powerful 8th Generation Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7060 desktop computer is powered by an Intel 6-core 8th Generation i7-8700 processor, which can reach up to 4.60 Ghz, enabling efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – This Dell small form factor desktop computer comes pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system. Microsoft has reimagined how the PC should work for you and alongside you, and this Windows 11-powered desktop is redefining productivity.
- Smooth Multitasking – The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing-fast new 512GB M.2 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), which stores important files and applications while supporting faster boot speeds and higher data transfer rates.
- High-Performance Office Desktop – This business desktop computer serves as a reliable workstation, suitable for both home and business computing. The spacious desktop tower case allows for future expansion, making it an excellent fit for use as an office PC.
- Rich Ports – This Dell OptiPlex computer is equipped with 5 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 DisplayPort ports, supporting dual-monitor connections. Additionally, a wireless keyboard and mouse are included.
8. Repair Windows system files only if symptoms suggest corruption
Use DISM and System File Checker when Windows features are malfunctioning in ways that suggest missing or corrupted system files—not as routine speed-tuning commands. Microsoft’s recommended sequence is to run DISM first, then SFC, from an elevated Command Prompt.
- Open Start, search for Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand wait for it to complete. - Run
sfc /scannowand let the scan finish. - Restart the PC if the tools repaired files, then check whether the original Windows symptoms have changed.
Follow Microsoft’s current System File Checker instructions if a command reports an error or the repair does not complete.
When these checks do not help
Microsoft’s File Explorer-specific support page addresses Explorer that will not open or start; its general performance page covers Windows-wide causes. Neither establishes that every step above fixes slow folder browsing. If the same symptom persists after relevant checks, note whether it affects all folders or only searches, and whether it began after a particular change. Older PCs may remain limited by their hardware even after software troubleshooting; the guidance cited here does not identify a specific upgrade or guarantee a benefit.
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