Why does Windows Explorer freeze when renaming a file?

Question

_{Monday, April 29, 2019 1:38 AM}

I've been having this issue for a long time, but can't seem to figure it out. Windows explorer freezes when renaming files and then blanks out the file images (screen shot below). Once this happens, I can't access any files through Windows explorer until I log off or restart. The issue keeps coming back though. What's strange is all my programs like Plex that access files work fine, it's just the user interface of Windows Explorer that's frozen. Is there a solution to this?

Thanks

Mike

All replies (8)

_{Monday, April 29, 2019 2:55 AM}

Hi,

Thanks for your post in our forum.

As your description, when you try to rename the folder/file, the explorer will freeze, and only restarting the machine/logging off can help. If I misunderstood, please feel free to correct me.

Firstly, does the issue happen always when you rename the folder/file? 

Then, I suggest you can try the methods in the following link to see if it helps.

How to Fix File Explorer Crashes and Freezes on Windows 10? 

Note: this is a 3rd party link, we don't have any warranties on this website. It's just for your convenience. And Microsoft does not make any guarantee on the contents.

Hope above information can help you.

Thanks again for your understanding and support.

Best Regards,

Otto 

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Monday, April 29, 2019 11:12 PM}

Thanks for the tips, but none of those worked. The one that suggested looking at which program was hanging, just pointed me back to explorer.exe hanging and I already knew that. :) 

Would it be better just to install an alternative file explorer? Any safe 3rd party file explorer's that you can recommend? I'm looking at freecommander, but not sure if it's filled with Adware.

Thanks,

Mike

_{Monday, May 6, 2019 2:51 AM}

Hi,

Thanks for your post in our forum.

I am sorry that due to the forum rules, we cannot provide any 3rd tools.

And, have you tried the following link?

How to fix File Explorer problems in Windows 10

Note: this is a 3rd party link, we don't have any warranties on this website. It's just for your convenience. And Microsoft does not make any guarantee on the contents.

Hope above information can help you.

Thanks again for your understanding and support.

Best Regards,

Otto 

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Monday, May 6, 2019 11:03 PM}

I haven't tried those steps, but I'll give it a shot.

-Mike

_{Wednesday, May 8, 2019 7:05 AM}

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information provided was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

Best Regards,

Otto Wang

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Friday, May 17, 2019 5:36 PM}

No, none of the suggestions worked for me. I'll just have to use a 3rd party tool for now.

-Mike

_{Thursday, March 5, 2020 3:15 PM | 1 vote}

Hi, for solving the renaming issue, I found a solution:

If you use lots of shared folders (nas and network in general), windows 10 quick access algorithm could create troubles. Simply disable it to achieve again maximum response time from your system.

To change how Quick Access works, display the File Explorer ribbon in any folder, navigate to View, and then select Options and then Change folder and search options.

The Folder Options window opens.

• uncheck “Show frequently use folders in Quick access.”
• uncheck “Show recently used folders in Quick access.” press “Clear”

Problem solved!

source:www.xgiovio.com/blog-photos-videos-other/blog/fix-windows-10-freeze-renaming-saving-files-and-folders/

about the blank icons, I have no idea, F5, or right click Refresh is not helping?

_{Saturday, June 27, 2020 2:07 PM}

Yes! I suffered that issue a lot of month. I tested a lot of methods but none works for me, but this works!!! thanks!