Is your File Explorer taking forever to load, making simple tasks like saving documents a time-consuming process? Don't worry; we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll walk you through the PAIR process for troubleshooting the slow File Explorer loading issue on your Windows computer. Follow the steps below to identify the root cause and find a resolution.

In certain scenarios, the slowness is limited to the navigation pane (left folder sidebar) and can be resolved by creating a new user account. Skipping to this step can save you a significant amount of time.

Step 1: Probe

• Determine the Start Time: Ask the user when the issue started occurring to identify any potential triggers or recent changes.
• Software and Updates: Inquire if any new software or updates were installed before the problem began.
• File Types Affected: Check if the slow loading happens with all file types or specific ones.
• Storage Space: Verify if the device's storage is nearly full, which can impact performance.
• System Diagnostics in Performance Monitor: 

  1. Open Performance Monitor: Press "Windows + R," type "perfmon," and press Enter.

  2. Expand Data Collector Sets: In the left pane, expand "Data Collector Sets" > "System"

  3. Start System Diagnostics: Right-click on "System Diagnostics" and select "Start" from the context menu.

  4. Monitor and Analyse: Performance Monitor will start collecting system data based on predefined performance counters. 

Step 2: Analyse

• Review Collected Data: Once data collection is complete, you can review the collected data by expanding "Reports" in the left pane, and then navigating to "System" > "System Diagnostics" > "Report."

• Review Computer's Reliability History:

  • Click on the Start Menu.
  • Search for "View reliability history" in the search bar and press Enter.
  • Open the "Reliability Monitor" window to view a timeline of your computer's reliability and problem history.
  • Check for File Explorer-related events, such as error messages or warnings.

• Monitor Resource Usage:

  • Use the Task Manager to observe CPU, memory, and disk usage during File Explorer's loading process.

• Confirm Isolation:

  • Determine if the slow loading issue is specific to the user's account or affects all users on the same computer.

By following these analysis steps, you can gather essential information about your system's performance, pinpoint potential issues related to File Explorer, and confirm whether the problem is user-specific or system-wide. This data will help you focus your troubleshooting efforts and find the most appropriate resolution for the slow File Explorer loading issue.

Step 3: Isolate

• Test on Different Account: Have the user log in with a different user account to see if the issue persists, which helps identify user-specific problems.
• Try Alternate Locations: Access files from a different location or external drive to check if the issue is related to a specific directory or drive.
• Try Different Software: For example, if the slowness is experienced when opening File Explorer from Word, check if the issue also occurs when opening a file from Notepad or any other software.
• Disable Plugins or Extensions: If any new plugins or extensions were installed, disable them to see if they contribute to the slow loading.

These isolation steps aid in the troubleshooting process by systematically eliminating potential causes and narrowing down the scope of the problem. By isolating and testing different aspects of the system, you can identify whether the issue lies with a particular user account, directory, software extension, or application. This approach allows you to focus on relevant areas, making it easier to identify the root cause and apply targeted solutions for resolving the slow File Explorer loading issue.

Step 4: Resolution

Create a new user for local users:

Create a New User Account: Since the issue is isolated to the user's account, creating a new user account can often resolve any profile-related problems.

1. Press "Windows + I" to open the Settings app.
2. Go to "Accounts" and then "Family & other users."
3. Under "Other users," click on "Add someone else to this PC."
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new user account.
5. Log in with the new user account and check if File Explorer's navigation pane loads faster.

You can delete the old affected user once you've got a copy of everything important.

Create a new user for Azure Active Directory joined devices:

Warning: This process will delete the user's files and settings, so ensure to back up to cloud storage before proceeding.

1. Sign into the computer with another user having local admin or global admin privileges.
2. In the Windows Menu or Search, type and open "View Advanced System Settings."
3. Go to "User Profiles > Settings."
4. Select the affected profile and delete it.
5. Sign out from the current user account.
6. Log in with the new user account and check if File Explorer's navigation pane loads faster.

Other potential resolutions:

• Clear Temporary Files and Cache: Remove temporary files and clear the File Explorer cache to improve loading times.
• Update Device Drivers and Windows: Ensure all device drivers and the Windows operating system are up to date to fix compatibility issues.
• Run a Full System Scan: Perform a comprehensive malware scan to eliminate any potential threats affecting performance.
• Consider Defragmenting: If your hard drive is not an SSD, consider defragmenting it to optimize file access speeds.
• Reset Windows: As a last resort, you may try resetting Windows to its default settings, but remember to back up your important files before doing this.
• Seek Professional Help: If the problem persists, consider reaching out to a professional IT technician for further assistance. You can contact IT Solver at itsolver.net/support.

Conclusion:

By following the PAIR process and considering the customer's case, you can efficiently troubleshoot and resolve the slow File Explorer loading issue on your Windows computer. Creating a new user account is a common solution for navigation pane-related problems, and the other steps mentioned here can help improve overall system performance. With these steps, you can enjoy a seamless File Explorer experience and boost productivity in your daily tasks.