In this article, we will discuss about how to fix Downloads folder not responding in Windows 10. It can also be applied to Windows 7 but usually the problem comes in Windows 10. Note: Make sure that only the Downloads folder is having issues. If it’s a general issue with Windows, you may need to check why your PC is crashing or hanging.
Change Downloads folder classification
When we make a folder and add items in it, depending upon the type of items in that folder Windows automatically sets its type to pictures, media, music etc. But in case of a downloads folder there are random files of all types. Sometimes Windows automatically sets it to “Pictures” even though not all the files are pictures. This happens because Windows will try to create thumbnails for the media by default which are in the Downloads folder even if none of them are media files. To fix this, we need to change the folder type to “General items”, so that Windows does not consider it a pictures folder and opens up quickly. This is changed in the Downloads folder properties.
Right click on the Downloads folder and select Properties.
Go to CustomizeIn the Optimize this folder settings, set it to General items.Also check the settings “Also apply this template to all subfolders”and click apply and then OK
Delete or archive old files
The downloads folder is one of the most widely used folders of your computer. With the passage of time it gets filled with files that are so old and outdated and that we don’t want to use anymore. This fills up the folder and makes it slow to open. So it might be a good idea to open it and delete or archive the files that you no longer require and this shall make the folder clear up some of the memory and hence make it faster to open the Downloads folder.
Change View Settings
Sometimes the files in our folders display thumbnails that usually takes some time to load and open up and it might make our folder slow. So its display settings could be one of the reasons why your downloads folder takes some time to open up. We can change its View settings such that it only shows icon instead of showing a thumbnail of your media files.
One easy method would be to click the “Display information about the search item in the window” option in the bottom right corner of the folder.
Or in the folder options in the view settings you can check the box “always show icons, never thumbnails” and apply it to all folders.
I hope these solutions help you with this problem, and if is still any trouble do let us know in the comments below and we are happy to help. Also see:
How To Fix File Explorer “Not Responding” In WindowsHow To Fix “DNS Server Isn’t Responding/This Webpage Is Not Available” ErrorHow To Fix “Display Driver Stopped Responding And Has Recovered” In Windows 11/109 Easy Ways To Fix Flash player not working in chromeHow to Fix Device Not Working Properly In Windows 10 (Code 31 Error)
