Save as/Open file slows down Explorer, takes very long

Question

Save as/Open file slows down Explorer, takes very long

Chris 0

Hi,

I’ve seen multiple posts about the same issue, and even more answers. I’ve tried each one, but unfortunately nothing worked.

I’m on Windows 11 25H2 (build 26200.9457) but this issue has been here for a long time so It persists through many updates. I can use File Explorer normally and smoothly, except when another app launches the file selection pop-up window. In that case, it can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes for the window to load.

The issue happens for example when:

Pressing 'save as' on an attachment in Outlook .
Clicking 'Import' -> 'From this device' in Capcut.
Basically using 'Open file' in any other app like Gimp.

Both the explorer and the app windows freeze, when clicking on them they show (not responding).

So far:

All drivers are up to date, caches have been cleared, etc.
Onedrive is turned off, same with the file sync.
It’s not just my machine since other coworker has complained about experiencing the same issue (same domain but I dont think it matters).
Tried unmapping the extra drives, including network drives.
Tried removing OneDrive from the Explorer sidebar by editing the registry.
Cleared File History and also tried disabling it.
I edited the Local Group Policy settings to prevent OneDrive from being the default destination for saving files.
Im also going to try booting my laptop (Dell Pro 16 plus PB16250) in the safe mode to check if the issue remains and I'll edit/comment the result

None of the online solutions I found worked, so I’m reaching out here.

I have no idea how to resolve this issue. Any help would be appreciated. As a last resort, I’ll try uninstalling OneDrive altogether.

(EDIT 1): In safe mode with network the issue remains. Safe mode without network, 'Open file' and 'Save as' work instantly. I also tried the same test in normal boot mode with all internet turned off, and the issue was still there.

(EDIT 2): Disabling the Onedrive sync service and whole onedrive fixed the issue, (only if every app that uses it is closed) But I would prefer to fix it without disabling Onedrive.

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1 answer

Your answer

Answer 1

Ramesh Srinivasan 87,610 Independent Advisor

Hi Chris,

Since this issue doesn't happen when in Safe mode (without networking), the delay seems to be because the system is trying to access a network resource and times out.

Please run a Process Monitor trace to narrow down the issue. Here are the instructions:

Download Process Monitor from Microsoft.
Run Process Monitor.
If the Filtering Options dialog appears, click Reset and click OK.
Click on the capture button on the tool bar if it's not already enabled.

User's image

Process Monitor will trace the events.
Now, try to reproduce the issue by opening the Open/Save As dialog.
If it hangs, let the trace run for 25 to 30 seconds. Then, switch to Process Monitor and stop tracing.
Save the Process Monitor entries to a log file (.PML) with "All events" selected.
Zip the PML file and upload it to OneDrive or GoFile.io and share the link here.

Chris 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T09:00:17.4366667+00:00

Hi Ramesh,
I'm quite hesitant of sending a complete process list out in the open, I wouldnt like to DOX myself or my company much.

Is there anthing specific I should be looking for (register entries, events) in the Process Monitor to help identify the issue?
Ramesh Srinivasan 87,610 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T09:03:28.71+00:00

Chris,

Please look for network-related events and filesystem accesses in the log that take longer to complete. When analyzing log entries starting from the bottom (the most recent entries) migbt be a good idea.
Chris 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T10:16:13.53+00:00

Only ones I can distinguish taking long is:
SearchIndexer.exe FSCTL_READ_USN_JOURNAL on C: around 10s
And svhost.exe DirectoryControl -> NotifyChangeDirectory 30.09s
No idea if it helps much
Ramesh Srinivasan 87,610 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T10:19:16.2666667+00:00

Each svchost.exe instance hosts a number of services. We need to determine which service is causing the delay. You should be able to determine that by finding that PID in Task Manager → Services tab.
Chris 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T10:24:01.8566667+00:00

https://gofile.io/d/PGQGZMwx

Heres the the logs for both services
Ramesh Srinivasan 87,610 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T10:31:48.1033333+00:00
Hi Chris,

It's difficult to troubleshoot with filtered logs. Also, network requests are not shown in the logs. Since you can't share the full trace logs (yes, I understand your concern), you could try some generic fixes like:

Resetting the HOSTS file. (Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/experience/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default)

Reset Windows Firewall

Clear the DNS cache using the ipconfig /flushdns command, and restart Windows.
Chris 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T10:44:22.7466667+00:00

Unfortunately none of these solutions worked for me.

Thank you for your time and help, as well as for understanding my concerns.
Ramesh Srinivasan 87,610 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-18T10:45:35.1466667+00:00

You're welcome, Chris.

I'm releasing this question so that another IA can help you.

Regards,