Fix File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder in Windows 11 or 10

File Explorer is an essential component of the Windows operating system that allows users to navigate through files and folders on their computer. However, some users have reported an issue where File Explorer freezes when they try to create a new folder. This can be indeed frustrating, especially when you need to create multiple folders. In this post, we will discuss some working methods that can help you fix File Explorer freezing when creating a new folder.

Previously, we have written How To Fix File Explorer not Responding in Windows 11; this may also be useful to fix the current problem. Unable to create folder issue might occur because of excessive cached data, AutoSuggest feature, buggy Windows updates, non-native programs, corrupted system, and installation components.

Table of Contents

File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder

Here is how to Fix File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder in Windows 11 or 10 –

Way-1: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

This seems weird but several users confirm that running Windows Update Troubleshooter solves the File Explorer freezing and hanging problem. So use the tool using below guide –

For Windows 11:

Click on – Start.
Type – troubleshoot.
Press the Enter key.
Select – Other troubleshooters.
On the Settings app, look for Windows Update.
Click on – Run.

how to Fix File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder in Windows 11 or 10

For Windows 10:

Type “troubleshooter” in the taskbar search and hit – enter.
Click on – Additional troubleshooters.
On the next Settings page, find – Windows Update.
Then, click on – Run the troubleshooter.

Way-2: Run SFC or System File Checker and DISM

SFC (System File Checker) is a built-in Windows utility that scans for corrupted or missing system files and repairs them therefore if the File Explorer problem because of this glitch the tool will fix it. Run the command line utility as below:

Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do this, type cmd.exe in the Windows Search.
Select – Run as administrator.
Click on Yes on the User account control.
Copy “SFC /SCANNOW” (excluding quotes), paste it into the Command Prompt window, and press Enter.

This will begin system scan, run verification phase, and check for integrity violations.
Allow the processes to complete as it will take some time, depending on your computer’s speed and the number of files that need to be checked.
Reboot your PC and try creating a new folder in File Explorer to see if the freezing issue has been resolved.
If the problem continues, again launch the Command prompt with the administrative authorities.
Run the below command lines sequentially –

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your system and hopefully, the problem should be solved.

Way-3: Clear File Explorer History

One of the reasons why File Explorer freezes when creating a new folder is because of cached data in File Explorer which can cause the application to behave erratically. To fix this, you can clear the File Explorer history by following these steps:

Open File Explorer (Winkey+R).
Click on ellipsis (3-dots icon) in the top menu.
Select – Options.
Click on the “Clear” button under “Privacy” section In the “Folder Options” window that appears.
Click “OK” to confirm and close the window.

Fix File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder

After clearing the File Explorer history, try creating a new folder again and see if the problem persists.

Read: All in One Fix: File Explorer Windows 10 Issues

Way-4: Disable AutoSuggest in File Explorer

Another reason why File Explorer freezing when creating a new folder is because of AutoSuggest. This feature suggests file and folder names following typing in file name box, which can cause the application to hang or not respond. To fix the problem, you can disable AutoSuggest by following the guide:

Click on File Explorer icon from Taskbar to open it.
Click on the ellipsis.
Select “Options” from drop-down.
Once the “Folder Options” window appears, click on the “View” tab.
In the “Advanced settings” section, uncheck “Show pop-up description for folder and desktop items”.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to close the window.

Way-5: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, File Explorer freezes when creating a new folder may occur because of any bug or issue in Windows update. Microsoft regularly releases patches to fix them, so it’s a good idea to check for updates and install them. For this advance with the method –

On Windows 11:

Press – Winkey+I.
Select Windows Update in the left sidebar.
Click on the “Check for updates” button.

Fix File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder error

If any updates are available, click on “Download and install”.

On Windows 10:

Go to Settings => Update & Security => Windows Update.
Select – Check for updates.
Once the scanning is finished, install the update.
After installing updates, try creating a new folder again and see if the problem persists.

Way-6: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with File Explorer and cause it to freeze when creating a new folder. To fix this, you can try disabling the application temporarily and see if the problem goes away. If it does, you may need to uninstall the antivirus software and switch to a different one.

Follow – How to Completely Uninstall Software From Windows 10 – Beginners.

Way-7: Use surefire In-Place upgrade

File Explorer freezing when creating New Folder issue trouble even after following the above-mentioned ways then you don’t need to worry. In-place upgrade is a surefire process that will upgrade your system fixing this –

Access – https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows11.
Go down and click on “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
Select the option – “Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)”.
Click – Download.
Select the appropriate product language.
Next, click on – Confirm.
Select – 64-bit Download (depending on the architecture of your Processor).
Right-click on Win11_22H2_Language_x64v1.iso (or whichever is the latest version) and select Mount.
Launch the setup.exe.
Click “Yes” on UAC for giving approval.
On the “Install Windows 11” window, select – Next.
Then, on the license agreement window; click – Accept.
The software will scan for available free space on the computer and show “Ready to install” page.
Check the option – Keep personal files and apps.
In the end, click on – Install.

File Explorer freezes when creating a new folder is a common issue that can be annoying for users. However, with the solutions discussed in this article, you can easily fix the problem and use File Explorer without any issues. If the problem persists, you can contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Methods:
Way-1: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
Way-2: Run SFC or System File Checker and DISM
Way-3: Clear File Explorer History
Way-4: Disable AutoSuggest in File Explorer
Way-5: Check for Windows Updates
Way-6: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software
Way-7: Follow In-Place upgrade

That’s all!!