Why Quick Access Not Responding After Windows 11 Update (9 Solutions)

The Quick Access in File Explorer provides a quick way to access frequently used files and folders. You can use the Windows + E keyboard shortcut to open a quick access window, here you will see a list of frequent folders and recent files. However, sometimes you may notice Quick Access stops responding or fails to function correctly. Users report Quick Access missing from the navigation pane, or Quick Access Not Responding after Windows 11 update. Several factors can contribute to Quick Access malfunctioning after a Windows 11 update corrupt system files, faulty updates, software conflict or corrupted cache are common. This article explores effective methods to fix Quick Access when it becomes unresponsive.

Quick Access Stops Responding Windows 11

As discussed, Quick Access isn’t responding on Windows 11, it could be due to a number of reasons including a corrupted icon cache, faulty Windows updates, incorrect settings within File Explorer, issues with your system files, or even a malware infection.

• Corrupted System Files: Updates can introduce corrupted system files.
• Faulty Updates: The update itself might contain bugs.
• Driver Issues: Incompatible or outdated graphics/storage drivers can cause conflicts.
• Corrupted Cache: Caches for icons and file information can become corrupted.
• Software Conflicts: New software or updates can conflict with File Explorer.
• Settings Issues: Incorrect File Explorer settings can contribute to the problem.

Restart File Explorer

When File Explorer runs for extended periods, temporary glitches and memory leaks can cause Quick Access to become unresponsive. Restarting it refreshes the process and clears any minor issues.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Locate Windows Explorer in the list.
• Right-click on it and select Restart.
• Press the Windows key + E to Check if Quick Access is working properly.

In addition, it’s recommended to restart Windows as it clears temporary glitches refreshes the system and helps restore standard functionality.

Clear Quick Access History

Over time, Quick Access stores data that may become outdated or corrupt, leading to performance issues. Clearing it removes any problematic shortcuts that may be interfering with its functionality.

• Open File Explorer (Win + E).
• Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Options.
• Under the General tab, go to the Privacy section.
• Click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
• Restart File Explorer and check if the issue is resolved.

Reset Folder Options

Again Incorrect folder settings can sometimes affect Quick Access. Resetting them restores default behaviour, eliminating any misconfigurations that might be causing problems. This is especially useful if recent changes to system settings have affected File Explorer.

• Open File Explorer.
• Click on the three-dot menu and select Options.
• Under the General tab, click Restore Defaults.
• Click Apply and then OK.
• Restart your computer and check if Quick Access is working.

Run SFC and DISM Commands

System file corruption could cause various problems including apps not opening or Quick Access malfunction. Running SFC and DISM commands can repair corrupted files and restore missing components necessary for Quick Access to function correctly.

• Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt, Right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.
• Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter key. Let the scanning complete 100%
• After the scan completes, run the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
• The sfc command scans for and repairs corrupted system files, while “DISM” repair Windows system image corruption.

Disable and Re-enable Quick Access

If Quick Access is still not responding, disabling and re-enabling it refreshes its settings. This helps remove any conflicts that may have occurred due to Windows updates or third-party applications interfering with File Explorer.

• Open File Explorer and click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
• From the flyout menu, select Options at the bottom.
• Under the General tab, change Open File Explorer to: from Quick Access to This PC.
• Click Apply and then OK.
• Restart File Explorer and then switch back to Quick Access.
• Check if the problem is resolved.

Clear Quick Access Cache Data

Cache files help speed up access to recently used items, but when they become corrupted, they can cause File Explorer to lag or stop responding. Most of the time, Clear Quick Access Cache Data helps fix such problems on Windows 11.

• Press the Windows + R type %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations and press enter key
• Press Ctrl + A to select all the files and click the trash icon at the top to delete them.
• Again press the Windows key + R, type %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\CustomDestinations and ok, Delete all the files within the folder.

Finally, Restart your computer and check Quick Access.

Install windows updates

Microsoft frequently releases patches that address known issues, so keeping your system updated ensures you have the latest fixes and security enhancements.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click on Check for updates.
3. If any updates are pending, install them and restart your computer.
4. Test Quick Access to see if the issue is resolved.

Update Graphics and Storage Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to system malfunctions, including issues with Quick Access. Ensuring that your graphics and storage drivers are up to date can resolve many problems.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display Adapters and Disk Drives.
3. Right-click on each driver and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.

Perform a System Restore

If none of the above methods works, restoring your system to a previous working state can help undo recent changes that may have caused Quick Access to stop responding. This method is especially useful if you suspect a recent Windows update or software installation is the root cause of the problem.

• Press Win + R type rstrui and Press Enter to open the system restore wizard,
• Here select a restore point before the issue started and Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous point.
• Restart your computer and check if Quick Access is working again.