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.