The Downloads folder is the default storage location for all downloaded files. However, some users have reported that the Downloads folder not responding on Windows 11. When this folder becomes unresponsive, File Explorer may stop working, which may prevent you from accessing or opening any downloaded files in the folder and you may also lose important files.
The following are some possible reasons for the “Windows 11 Downloads folder not responding” issue:
- Windows File Explorer error
- Application settings configuration error
- Viruses or malware
- Corrupted system files
This way, even if you encounter a situation where you cannot access the folder, you can still quickly restore your files through the file backup you created previously. To do that, the best backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker is recommended. Download it to protect your files.
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Method 1: Restart Windows Explorer
Restarting the File Explorer process should help you fix the “Downloads folder not responding on Windows 11” issue.
1. Right-click the Start menu to choose Task Manager to open it.
2. Go to the Processes tab. Find Windows Explorer and right-click it to choose Restart.
Method 2: Run SFC and DISM
Another method you can use to fix the “Downloads folder unresponsive on Windows 11” issue is running the System File Checker (SFC) utility and DISM tool:
1. Type cmd in the Search box, and then right-click Command Prompt to select Run as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. If the SFC scan doesn’t work, you can try running the commands below in the elevated Command Prompt window.
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once done, reboot your PC and check if the issue gets fixed.
Method 3: Optimize Downloads Folder
To solve the Windows 11 download folder not responding, you can also change the Downloads folder properties and restore the data from the folder.
1. Right-click the Downloads folder and choose Properties.
2. Go to the Customize section and choose Documents from the Optimized this folder for menu.
3. Check the Also apply this template to all subfolders option and click Apply.
Method 4: Perform CHKDSK Utility
First, you can run chkdsk to get rid of the “Downloads folder not responding on Windows 11” issue. The detailed steps are as follows:
1.Type cmd in the Search box and choose Run as administrator.
2.Then type chkdsk /f /x and press the Enter key.
3.Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this operation.
Method 5: Delete Extra Download Files
The Downloads folder is saved in the system drive which is usually the C: drive. Now, if the system drive is overloaded with data, then it slows down the system. Thus, you can delete the extra download files from the Download folder to fix the issue.
Final Words
That is all the information on methods to fix the “Downloads folder not responding on Windows 11” issue. If you want to fix the issue, but don’t know how to do it, you can try the above solutions one by one. I believe that one of them can help you fix your issue.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Having been an editor at MiniTool since graduating college as an English major, Daisy specializes in writing about data backups, disk cloning, and file syncing as well as general computer knowledge and issues. In her free time, Daisy enjoys running and going with friends to the amusement park.