The default location where our downloaded files are stored on Windows 10 & Windows 11 is the Download folder. All files we exported from the web to our PC are all found there. But sometimes, we encounter errors that prevent us from accessing all our downloaded files.
The “downloads folder not responding” is one of the most notorious errors responsible for that.
Now, here’s where it gets dark. If you can’t open the downloads folder, the File Explorer might crash and prevent you from accessing any of your files. To prevent this disastrous situation, solutions to fix the “downloads folder not responding” error is needed. Luckily, all these solutions are on this page. Check them out below!
Part 1: Reasons Why you Can’t Open Downloads Folder
Before we head on to the solutions, let’s first know the possible causes of the “downloads folder not responding” error. This will help you prevent this annoying error from occurring again.
- Large-sized data could slow down your system causing some folders to experience errors. If the “downloads folder not responding” error occurs on your PC, this might be because of the large data you have downloaded.
- Apart from large-sized data, corrupted files stored in the download folder can also cause the error. These kinds of files could infect other files or worse infect your computer system.
- There might be something wrong with your computer that affects some of its functions including the Download folder.
Now that you know the possible reasons, it’s now time to know the solutions.
Solution 1: Run SFC Scan to Fix “Downloads Folder not Responding” Error
One way to repair the “downloads folder not responding” error is by running an SFC scan on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. This will scan and repair any corrupted data on your PC.
- Access the Command Prompt on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer and run it as administrator.
- Type in the command “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter.
After the scan, try to open the download folder and see if the error still occurs.
Solution 2: Run CHKDSK Utility to Fix the “Downloads Folder not Responding” Error
Aside from the SFC scan, the CHKDSK utility can also help in solving this mystery case. As I’ve mentioned, there could be something wrong with your PC, it could be bugs, bad sectors, etc. The CHKDSK utility helps remove and repair those errors and fix any issues.
- On the Command Prompt window, type in “chkdsk G: /f /r /x” (replace G with the letter assigned to the drive your Download folder is located) then hit Enter.
- Wait for the scan to finish, and check the Download folder if it is repaired.
Part 2: Can’t Open Downloaded Files? Here’s How to Deal with It
Here are two solutions if you can’t open downloaded files on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.
Solution 1: Change Download Destination to Open Inaccessible Download Folder
You may also try to change the destination of your downloaded files. If the download folder is the only one that is damaged, creating a new download destination could help you access your files again.
Before downloading a file, select or create another folder to store them. After that, open the new destination and see if you can access your download files there.
Solution 2: Recover Files from Inaccessible Download Folder
If you still can’t open downloads on Windows 10 or your Windows 11 computer, then you should prioritize saving your downloaded files. This error will prevent you from accessing your files or worse you will lose them permanently.
Now, we don’t want that to happen, do we? That is why we highly encourage you to use echoshare Data Recovery to recover the files inside your inaccessible download folder.
This tool can easily recover any type of data in a flash! Yes! You can get all your data back no matter what format or type. Now you can easily restore your downloaded photos, videos, documents, songs, games, etc. Aside from that, this tool guarantees no quality loss to any file you recover. You can get the same quality back and rest assured that all data is intact!
echoshare Data Recovery also repairs corrupted and damaged files. This is also another way to prevent the “downloads folder not responding” error. Instead of deleting your corrupted files, why not repair them and bring them back to their former glory? Rest assured that echoshare will help you
throughout the process.
And speaking of errors, this tool also protects your PC and file against any harmful errors. Yes! No need to worry about losing your files due to errors, echoshare will guard them and keep them safe.
So don’t waste time and save your files with echoshare Data Recovery now!
Steps to Recover Files from Download Folder
- Download, install and launch the program by hitting the button above.
- On the main interface, select how the file was lost and what type of file you want to recover then hit Next.
- Select the drive where the download folder was located and tap Scan.
- After the scan, you will notice that the recovered files are organized by folders, find the download folder and select the files you want to retrieve then hit Restore.
- Next, select a destination for the retrieved files. Do not store them in the download folder if it is not been repaired yet.
After those 5 easy steps, all your lost data are now recovered. Thanks, echoshare!
Conclusion
Whatever happens, most of us always prioritize the safety of our files. That is why when you are in a situation where your files are lost or deleted. Let echoshare Data Recovery help you recover them. Rest assured that they will be back again with no quality loss.