Solve “Windows 10 Freezes When Copying Files:” Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Many users encounter the frustrating issue of Windows 10 freezing or the page becoming unresponsive while copying larger files, and some may even run into an unspecified error when copying a file or folder. This problem can disrupt the overall workflow and delete data, prompting users to search for reliable solutions.

This article provides clear, practical instructions for diagnosing and fixing Windows 10 freezes using efficient methods. Furthermore, you will also be provided with efficient tips to avoid the "Windows 10 freezes when copying files" error.

Part 1. Why Windows 10 Freezes During File copying?

To troubleshoot the issue effectively, let’s first explore the common reasons "Windows Explorer freezes when copying files:"

1. Degraded Hard Drive/SSD: A hard drive or SSD with bad sectors can slow down or stop responding while files are being processed.
2. Overloaded CPU, RAM, or Disk: If CPU, RAM, or Disk usage is already high with other apps, it will eventually lead to a completely frozen setup.
3. Outdated Storage: Outdated or corrupted system storage can cause communication errors, leading to file-copying issues.
4. Corrupted System: Sometimes your system files become corrupted, causing the system to hang during file copying.
5. Third‑Party Antivirus: In some cases, antivirus software misleads the program and stops the process, which can cause the setup to freeze.

Part 2. Identify the Problem: Check System Performance and Resource Usage

If you are facing the "Windows 10 freezes when copying files," opt for the Task Manager to check the problem. Within this interface, it shows in real-time whether CPU, RAM, disk, or network is overloaded, making it easier to distinguish. Furthermore, it is also helpful to diagnose any abnormal activity that can lead to malware or faulty drivers, so let's explore it in a detailed guide:

Instructions. Type "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" on your keyboard to open "Task Manager" instantly. After entering the Task Manager app, choose the "Processes" menu and watch the status to check the system and resource performances.

Part 3. Alternate Ways to Solve Windows 10 Freezes When Copying Files

To further improve the system stability, here we have listed some efficient methods to fix the freezing issue.

1. Check Bad Sectors on Hard Drive or External Storage Device

Using the "Check" option in a drive's "Properties" is a simple built‑in way to find and fix errors. Without downloading third-party software, you simply access the PC app and check for the error causing your device to freeze. In addition to detection, this tool can easily repair the issue by isolating it. So, if you are also facing the "Windows Explorer freezes when copying files" error, read the following guide:

1. Open the "This PC" app on your system and select the corrupted drive in the "Device and Drives" folder. After right-clicking the drive, click on the "Properties" option from the pop-up menu.

   

2. Click on the "Tools" menu and hit the "Check" button to identify the error and diagnose it.

   

2. Try Other USB Ports

Sometimes the main issue is faulty cables, not the system itself, so try connecting the USB drive to another USB port. Changing ports helps you see if the problem is with that specific port or if there's some error. Overall, this method is considered a quick and efficient method to fix the "Windows 10 freezes when copying files" error.

3. Update The Hard Drive or USB Drivers

Updating the hard drive or USB drivers is essential, as it includes fixes for transfer errors, random disconnects, and compatibility issues. This method handles large or long transfers more reliably, reducing the risk of freezes or corrupted copies. Furthermore, it optimizes the speed of the CPU and makes it work effortlessly. Have a look at the following details showing how to update the drives of the disk drives:

Instructions. Open the "Device Manager" app and navigate to the "Disk Drives" option. Right-click the drive and choose the "Update Driver" option to update the drivers.

4. Stop The File Copying Process and Retry Again

Sometimes, the "Windows Explorer freezes when copying files" error can be resolved by stopping the process and restarting it. By canceling a stuck copy, it breaks out of a frozen transfer caused by a momentary disk, which lets you start a refresh. Furthermore, restarting the copy can avoid corrupted partial files and help ensure the new transfer. Upon hearing the details of this method, let's explore the following guide:

Instructions. When the process gets stuck, click the "Cross" icon to cancel, then click the "Cross" button to close the pop-up. Afterward, start the copying process again, and it will most probably start the procedure again.

5. Turn On Write Caching for External Drives

Turning on write caching for external drives is used to speed up and stabilize file transfers. It will reduce stuttering or Windows 10 freezes when copying files, especially the larger ones. This can accept data quickly and flush it to the USB or external HDD in the background, making long copies smoother. Furthermore, it reduces visible pauses, so have a look at the following detailed guide below:

Instructions. Open the "Device Manager" app and right-click on the "Disk Drives" option. Following this, click on the "Policies" menu and toggle the "Enable write catching on the device" option.

6. Disable Remote Differential Compression and Turn Off Thumbnail

Turning RDC off often speeds up local and some network copies by eliminating this extra comparison/compression. Furthermore, generating thumbnail previews makes Explorer read each media file, which can heavily load the disk. This method lightens the File Explorer, which helps copying finish more smoothly. To resolve the Windows Explorer freezes when copying files issue, have a look at the following guide:

1. Launch the "Control Panel" and choose the "Programs" option. Afterwards, "Turn Windows Feature On or Off" under the "Programs and Features" option.

   

2. Here, locate the "Remote Differential Compression API Support" option and uncheck it. Afterwards, hit the "OK" button to save the new settings to the device folder.

   

7. Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK method scans for bad sectors, corrupted file records, and possible errors to repair them immediately. With options like /f and /r, CHKDSK fixes logical file‑system errors and often restores smooth copying. Moreover, fixing disk errors early reduces the risk of file corruption and lets you restore the proper workflow. After hearing the key features for this method, follow the given workflow for this method:

Instructions. On the Windows search bar, write "cmd" and right-click it to select "Run as administrator." Enter the "chkdsk G: /f /r /x" command in the command prompt, ensuring you replace the "G" letter with your frozen drives. Following this, hit the "Enter" button to start the scanning procedure and restart your PC.

Pro Tip: Try to Recover Lost Data If a Freeze Caused File Corruption

During a late‑night backup, a freelancer is copying his essential data of hundreds of gigabytes. However, while doing the process, Windows Explorer freezes when copying files, and the only option is to force restart the PC. When the system starts again, some folders have vanished, which is quite stressful, so we recommend using Recoverit, which lets you restore your data instantly.

This tool provides you with recovery options for various types of devices, such as cameras, drones, GoPro, and action data recovery. Furthermore, this tool offers both Quick and Deep scanning options, making it easier to choose the option that best suits your data recovery needs. You can also preview the generated outcome to ensure it has recovered the file with complete accuracy.

Key Features

1. Batch Processing: This tool lets you retrieve multiple files simultaneously, saving users time and manual work.
2. Compatibility: You can easily access this tool in any major browser on Windows and Mac, making file recovery easy.
3. Data Loss Scenarios: Recoverit can handle multiple data loss scenarios, including formatted data, factory risk, and RAID disk recovery.

Detailed Guide to Use Wondershare Recoverit for Data Retrieval

Upon hearing the advanced key features of Recoverit, let's explore a detailed guide below to recover your essential data:

1. Choose Hard Drives and Locations to Choose Locations

   As you launch Recoverit, click on the "Hard Drive and Locations" from the left tab. Afterwards, choose the desired location of your lost data under the "Quick Access" tab.

   

2. Initiate the Scanning Procedure to Scan the Location

   Upon selecting the location, it will automatically start the scanning procedure using the "Quick Scanning" feature. However, if it can't restore your file, you can also access its “Deep Scanning” option or search for the file by its name or file type.

   

3. Save The Restored File to the Device Folder

   Finally, Recoverit has recovered the lost file, so click on the "Preview" button to examine it. After ensuring the complete accuracy of the data, hit the "Recover" button to save the file.

   

Part 4. Prevent Future Freezes During File Transfers

Now that you’ve fixed the "Windows 10 freezes when copying files" issue, let’s look at how to prevent it from happening again:

• Close Heavy Apps: Always shut down games, virtual machines, and other intensive programs to make transfers smoother and less likely to hang.
• Use Good Cables: Ensure you use short and undamaged USB cables for the motherboard to prevent disconnections, which freeze the system.
• Keep Storage Drivers Up-to-date: Make sure you update disks and USB controller drives to fix transfer and compatibility issues, which normally cause freezing issues.
• Regularly Check Disks: Users should check for possible scans on internal and external drives to avoid any errors.
• Malware Scanning: One should always have a reputable antivirus software to catch malware that drives CPU usage abnormally high.

Conclusion

In summary, users can easily fix "Windows 10 freezes when copying files" by using the appropriate method. However, if you lost your data due to a freezing issue, we recommend using Recoverit, which lets you recover unlimited files. Furthermore, do follow the given tips to avoid further freezing errors in your future.