File Explorer Freezing

Issue/Question

When I try to open File Explorer, I get the "Working on it..." message, but the application stops responding.

Environment

  • Windows 10

Cause

The AUTOMATICDESINATIONS-MS folder contains info about applications pinned to a user's taskbar, timestamps, and paths to items recently accessed by a program. If an item in the folder becomes corrupt, File Explorer may not launch properly.

Resolution

Method 1

  1. Click the Windows  button. 
  2. Type Control Panel. 
  3. Hit Enter. 
  4. From the View by: dropdwon menu, select either Small icons or Large icons. 
  5. Click File Explorer Options. 
  6. Click on the Clear button in the Privacy Section. 

Method 2

  1. Click the Windows  button.
  2. Type Run.
  3. Press Enter. 
  4. Copy and paste the following into the blank Open: field: %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations.
  5. Press Enter. 
  6. The AutomaticDestinations folder will open.  Press Ctrl + A to select all items.
  7. Delete the selected items.  
  8. After deleting all items, you may see a handful reappear automatically. This is normal. 
  9. Close folder and confirm File Explorer is opening properly.
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