How to fix unresponsive Downloads folder on Windows

The Downloads folder serves as the storage location for all downloads from the Internet on Windows. From there, you can access and manage all the files you've pulled from the web. However, this may not be possible if the Downloads folder stops responding on your Windows computer.

Below, the article has listed some effective troubleshooting tips to help the Downloads folder work smoothly on your Windows computer.

1. Restart the Windows Explorer process

Restarting the Windows Explorer process is an easy way to fix temporary issues with File Explorer. If it's just a one-time glitch, the Downloads folder should work seamlessly on your PC.

2. Optimize Downloads folder for general items

The Automatic Folder Type Discovery feature in Windows optimizes your folders depending on the type of files they contain. However, this optimization can sometimes lead to slow or unresponsive behavior, especially when there are a large number of files in the directory. Here's what you can do to avoid that.

Open File Explorer on your PC.
Right click on the Downloads folder and select Properties .
Switch to the Customize tab .
Click the drop-down menu under Customize this folder for and select General items .
Click Apply > OK.

How to fix unresponsive Downloads folder on Windows Picture 1

3. Configure File Explorer to show icons instead of thumbnails

Another thing you can do to keep the Downloads folder running smoothly is to configure File Explorer to show icons instead of thumbnails. Here are the steps to take.

Press Win + S to access the search menu.
Type file explorer options in the text box and press Enter.
In the View tab , tick the Always show icons, never thumbnails checkbox .
Click Apply > OK.

How to fix unresponsive Downloads folder on Windows Picture 2

Remember that this setting will apply to all folders on your system, not just the Downloads folder.

4. Delete unwanted files from Downloads . folder

Having too many files in the Downloads folder can cause the folder to become stuck and unresponsive on your Windows computer. Some users on Microsoft forums have reported fixing the unresponsive Downloads folder by deleting unnecessary files from that folder. Alternatively, you can move your files to another location to free up the Downloads folder.

5. Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer on Windows keeps a record of all past search queries to enhance your experience. However, if this data is not accessible, the Downloads folder may stop responding on Windows. You can try clearing this data to see if that gets things working again.

Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar.
Type file explorer options in the box and select the first result that appears.
In the General tab , click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history .

How to fix unresponsive Downloads folder on Windows Picture 3

6. Try some general fixes for unresponsive Downloads folder

If the Downloads folder is still unresponsive, you can try the following troubleshooting tips to get it back to normal.

Run an SFC scan : If your PC has corrupted or corrupted system files, it can interrupt Windows processes and lead to such abnormalities. To fix this, you can fix the problematic system files.
Scan for Malware : The presence of malware on your system can also cause problems with the Downloads folder. To test this possibility, you can try scanning your PC for malware using PowerShell or Microsoft Defender.
Install Windows updates : A faulty or outdated Windows build can interfere with File Explorer processes and cause the Downloads folder to malfunction. Therefore, you should install any pending Windows updates and see if that helps.
Perform a system restore : It's possible that recent changes made to your system are causing the Downloads folder to freeze over and over again. If that's the case, you can revert Windows to its previous state and fix the problem.

Jessica Tanner

Update 24 July 2023

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