Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11

The error of not being able to open the Download Win 10+11 folder is making you confused? If you can't find this folder, it means you can't find the download files you need. TipsMake has compiled ways to help you handle this problem right away.

The Download folder hangs, is inaccessible, or even the folder 'disappears'. These are common situations many users encounter with Windows Downloads. But don't worry, because TipsMake has useful solutions available for you to fix all problems related to the Download folder. Below is a summary of tips to fix the error of not being able to open the Download Win 10+11 folder you are looking for.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 1

Share how to fix the error of not being able to open the Download folder of Win 10+11

In order to help you easily understand and fix it quickly, the admin will divide it into two specific cases: Error of not being able to open the Download Win 10/11 folder and losing the download folder in the computer. Depending on the situation you are facing, please apply the most appropriate measure.

Find out how to fix the error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 11/10

There are many reasons why the Download folder cannot be opened. It's possible that this is just a temporary problem, or that the 'Downloads' folder crashes due to corrupted system files. Here's a general solution you should take:

1. Too many files in the download folder so the folder gets stuck and unresponsive is also a common reason. You can delete unnecessary files in the folder or move the files to another location.
2. Scan for malware to rule out the possibility that Download folder errors are caused by viruses/malware.
3. Check and update Windows to the new version (if available).
4. Restart your computer.

If 'traditional' solutions This doesn't help, try the specific ways below:

1/ Restart Windows Explorer

As the admin revealed, there is a high possibility that the Download folder not responding is just a temporary problem. Therefore, the way to restart Windows Explorer is both fast and simple but also quite effective. What you need to do is press the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

After opening the task manager, users navigate to Windows Explorer > Right-click on it and select Restart > Wait for this process to finish, then open the Download folder to check.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 3

2/ Run an SFC scan

Corrupted system files are also one of the 'culprits' causes the error of losing the download folder of Win 11 or Win 10. Therefore, you should use the System File Checker to check and fix this error.

1. 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar > Type cmd > Right-click on the Command Prompt result > Select Run as Administrator (run as administrator).

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 5

1. 2: In the new window displayed, enter the command sfc /scannow and press Enter to execute this command. Wait a few minutes for the scanning process to take place, once completed, restart the computer and check for problems.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 7

3/ Optimize the Downloads folder for common items

The Automatic Folder Type Discovery feature in Windows is quite useful as it will help optimize your folders. However, this optimization may cause slow/unresponsiveness with the 'Downloads' folder. To 'avoid' In this situation, do the following:

1. 1: Open File Explorer on your Windows > > Find the Downloads folder > Right-click on it and select Properties.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 9

1. Step 2: When the Downloads Properties window displays, click the Customize tab > In the line 'Optimize this folder for' > You choose General items. Besides, you should also check the line 'Also apply this template to all subfolders'. After completing this process, click Apply > OK to save changes.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 11

4/ Change view settings in File Explorer

1. 1: Open File Explorer > Click the File tab > Select Change folder and search options.
2. 2: Then, the Folder options window will appear > Click on the View tab > Tick ​​the line 'Always show icons, never thumbnails'.
3. 3: Click Apply > OK to save this setting.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 13

Lost download folder, what should you do?

If you don't see the Download folder anywhere, it's likely that you moved the folder to another location or accidentally deleted the folder. The way to display the Download section on the computer at the moment is:

Method 1: Restore download folder from previous version

1. 1: Users need to determine the location of the file folder - Where the Download folder is stored. Usually C:UsersadminDownloads.
2. 2: Right-click on the folder containing the previous Download folder > My example is the User folder in drive C > Select Properties > Previous Versions.
3. 3: Look in the list of previous versions and find the Downloads folder (when not moved or deleted) > Select that version and click Restore.

Error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10 and 11 Picture 15

Method 2: Some other ways to restore the Downloads folder

1. Restore from your computer's backup
2. Restore with 3rd party data recovery software

How to re-pin the Downloads folder to the Quick Access panel on the left side of File Explorer

1. You press the key combination Windows + R > Enter %userprofile% > Press Enter or click OK.
2. Right click Downloads > Click to select Pin to Quick access.

The error of not being able to open the Download folder in Windows 10+11 is not too complicated to fix, right? Hope you successfully resolve this annoying problem!

Samuel Daniel

Update 18 December 2023