File Explorer extremely slow with 'Working on it' green loading bar
Windows File Explorer hangs for 15 to 45 seconds when opening directories due to disconnected network mapped drives, a bloated Quick Access cache, or corrupted shell extensions.
Internal desktop parts run on harmless 12V DC voltage and cannot shock you. Simply unplug the wall power cable first, then touch the unpainted metal case frame to ground static electricity.
Common Symptoms & Tells
- Green progress address bar crawls across the top of File Explorer window
- 'Working on it...' message displayed for 20-30 seconds
- Right-clicking any file causes the cursor to spin indefinitely
Interactive Fix Checklist
0 of 4 steps completedClear File Explorer Quick Access history
Open File Explorer, click the 3 dots (...) > Options > In the General tab under Privacy, click 'Clear' next to Clear File Explorer history.
Change 'Open File Explorer to' This PC instead of Home
In the same Folder Options General tab, change the top dropdown 'Open File Explorer to:' from 'Home' to 'This PC', then click Apply.
Disconnect offline or inaccessible network mapped drives
Open This PC. If any network drives (Z:, Y:) display a red X because the remote NAS or server is turned off, right-click and select 'Disconnect'.
Disable third-party context menu shell extensions with ShellExView
Download NirSoft ShellExView, filter by non-Microsoft extensions, and disable newly installed context menu handlers (WinRAR, 7-Zip, cloud storage hooks) that stall right-clicks.
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