FIX: File names in Explorer disappear and show up again.
If when you open a folder in File Explorer to view its contents, the file names initially disappear and then slowly reappear, continue reading below to resolve the issue.
Symptom: In Windows 10/11 and especially when you open folders with a large number of files, File Explorer while initially showing the file names for a very short time then disappears and shows them one by one with a long delay.
Cause: The issue is caused due to "Folder Type Discovery" feature in Windows 11/10, which tries to automatically optimize the folder view based on the types of files it contains.
Although the "Folder Type Discovery" feature is intended to improve user experience, it can sometimes lead to delays in the appearance of file names, especially in folders with a large number of files (e.g. in a folder with many Mp3 files or pictures). Thus, deactivating the "Folder Type Discovery" feature can help solve the problem and make file names appear faster.
How to Disable 'Folder Type Discovery' in Windows 10/11.
Method 1. Disable Folder Type Discovery on a Specific Folder or Drive.
Since the mentioned problem is usually caused when opening a folder with a large number of files, the easiest way to eliminate the problem is to disable the "Folder Type Discovery" feature only in the folder where the names of the archives are disappear and show up again. To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click on the folder where you face the issue and select Properties.
2. In folder Properties, navigate to Customize tab and from the "Optimize this folder for:" drop-down menu, select "General items" and optionally select below the "Also apply this template to all subfolders" checkbox to apply the setting to all subfolders.
3. Now open again the folder and the problem should be gone! *
* TIP: If you have the problem on many different folders you can apply this setting to the drive that contains them.
Method 2. Deactivate 'Folder Type Discovery' on Windows 10/11.
If you want to completely disable the "Folder Type Discovery" on Windows 10/11, do the following modification in Registry:*
* Important: Since making changes to Registry settings is risky because even a small mistake can lead to system damage, it is important to back up the registry before modifying it and to create a System Restore point.
1. Open Registry Editor. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Win
+ R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this key at left pane:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell
3a. Right-click at empty space on the right pane and select New > String Value.
3b. Rename the newly created "New Value #1" to "FolderType" and press Enter.
3c. Then open the FolderType string, type "NotSpecified" in Value data box and press OK.
4. Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer to apply the change.
5. That's it. After restarting, there will be no longer delays in the file explorer when showing the contents of any folder. *
* Note: To undo the change to restore the default view template for all folders, simply delete the "FolderType" string you created in the above mentioned location in the registry.
That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do file names disappear and reappear slowly in File Explorer?
The issue is related to the 'Folder Type Discovery' feature in Windows 10/11, which attempts to automatically optimize the folder view based on the file types it contains. This can cause delays in showing file names, especially in folders with many files.
How can I resolve the issue of disappearing file names in a specific folder?
You can disable the 'Folder Type Discovery' feature for a specific folder by right-clicking the folder, selecting Properties, navigating to the Customize tab, and choosing 'General items' from the 'Optimize this folder for' drop-down menu. Optionally, apply the same setting to subfolders.
Is it possible to completely disable the 'Folder Type Discovery' feature?
Yes, you can disable 'Folder Type Discovery' system-wide by editing the Registry. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell, create a new 'FolderType' String Value, set its value to 'NotSpecified,' and restart your computer.
What should I do before editing the Registry to disable 'Folder Type Discovery'?
It is crucial to back up the Registry and create a System Restore point before making any changes to avoid potential system issues.
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