It is a common problem that some users find out that they can't open Downloads folder in Windows 10 computer, which means that they are unable to access the stuff they downloaded before. This situation will certainly bring much inconvenience, and therefore should be fixed as soon as possible. Show
However, resolving this problem and trying to fix can't open Downloads folder in Windows 10 error isn't easy unless you're an expert with computers. And you could waste a lot of time using ineffective methods. To save your time we've gathered 5 of the top fixes so that you can repair the Downloads folder within the shortest time.
Fix 1. Run System File CheckerThe first thing to do when you see a not responding/inaccessible Downloads folder is to run the System File Checker. The purpose of this built-in Windows utility is to scan all of the system files. This scan will detect any corrupt, faulty, or missing system files that could cause issues with the Windows' functionality.
Since the Downloads folder is created by the system, this command will detect if any underlying problems are affecting the folder. It also automatically repairs the folder if necessary. Fix 2. Restore Windows SystemAnother fix you can try is restoring the Windows system. This will usually help fix can't open Downloads folder in Windows 10 error if the problem arose after you updated Windows. Even small updates can cause features to break and reverting to the previous version will fix anything that was broken as a result. To use this solution, a Restore Point must be available. For some Windows updates the system will create them. However, this isn't frequent and it's ideal if users remember to create reliable Restore Points. Hopefully, there is a point available in which case, follow these steps.
It's worth mentioning that this doesn't impact your personal files. Only system files will be restored so there's no need to worry about losing personal data from using this Windows tool. Fix 3. Optimize the Downloads Folder for General ItemsStill can't open Downloads Windows 10? The third fix we suggest trying is much simpler than the others so far. After you download any file, Windows takes the liberty of filtering it into a category – music, photos, videos, etc. Certain folders, like the Pictures folder, are automatically set to optimize files as photos.
It may take a few minutes for this change to be applied to the Downloads folder and all of its contents. Afterwards, check if the folder is still inaccessible. Fix 4. Change View SettingsThis next fix will come as a surprise for most users. Whenever a Windows user opens a folder, every file's preview/thumbnail within the folder will be loaded. As a result, if even just one file has a corrupt thumbnail that doesn't load properly, you could be blocked from opening Downloads. Although this sounds like an impossible way to repair Downloads folder not working/inaccessible error in Windows 10, the solution is very easy.
Using this method will stop thumbnails from loading when you want to open the Downloads folder. Thus, if a corrupt thumbnail is at the root of the error, showing the icons instead will let you regain access to the folder. Fix 5. Recover Files from Inaccessible Downloads Folder with AnyRecoverAfter trying these 4 fixes you'll either have fixed the issue or you still can't open Downloads folder in Windows 10. But don't worry, there is at least one effective way left. What you can do is to recover files from the inaccessible folder using a third-party data recovery tool: AnyRecover. As a powerful program which specializes in data loss issues, AnyRecover can handle almost any data problems arising in various scenarios: emptied trash, accidental data deletion, partition error, system crash, corrupted or formatted device, etc. With it, you can retrieve data from the Downloads folder which is no longer accessible in an easy and fast way. Key features of AnyRecover
How to recover files from inaccessible Downloads folder with AnyRecover:Step 1. Download AnyRecover, install it on your computer, and launch the program. Choose the file location of your Downloads folder, click "Start" to run scanning process.
Step 2. As the scan is running, you will be able to pause the scan, resume it later, or stop it completely. The remaining time will be displayed as well.
Step 3. After the scan is done, browse all the files detected and preview the files that you want to recover. Then select what you want to get back and click "Recover" to retrieve the data. Tip This time you'd better choose a recovery location that is different from your Downloads folder. ConclusionWhen you first notice that you can't open Downloads in Windows 10, your best bet is to stop using your computer or at the very least, don't download anything else. This will significantly reduce the risk of data loss until the issue is resolved. The next thing to do is recover any files you don't want to lose. Taking the time to recover will reassure you that if any solution doesn't go well, valuable files aren't lost. AnyRecover provides users with an effortless way of restoring files that would otherwise be lost forever, and it's suitable for all data loss cases. Download NowDownload Now How do I fix a not responding download?What can I do if my Downloads folder is not responding?. Run DISM and SFC scans. ... . Use the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. ... . Optimize the Downloads folder for General items. ... . Select the Always show icons option. ... . Disable Automatic Folder Type Discovery.. How do I fix my download folder?Press Win + R keys to open Run dialog;. Type: cmd and hit Enter to open Command Prompt;. Type: sfc /scannow and hit Enter;. Press Win + X keys and select Command Prompt (Admin);. Click Yes to confirm run Command Prompt as Administrator;. Why can't I open my Downloads folder?When you can't open Downloads folder, perhaps there are some corrupted system files. In Windows, the built-in tool – System File Checker, can be used to scan damaged system files and repair them. By performing the command sfc /scannow, you can easily solve the Downloads folder not responding issue.
Why are my Downloads freezing?This can occur for a number of reasons, the most common of which is a misconfiguration of the packet size resulting in download session information becoming scrambled. Try unplugging the router from your Internet connection and plugging your computer directly into the Internet modem.
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