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Troubleshooting File Picker UI Host Not Responding – Fixing Windows 10 Performance and System Failures

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Resolving "File Picker UI Host is Not Responding" Error in Windows 10

As a Windows 10 user, few things are more frustrating than seeing the "File Picker UI Host is not responding" error message pop up right when you need to attach a file. This issue prevents us from properly utilizing the built-in mail client and other programs that require file attachments.

After thorough research combing through authoritative Microsoft Support forums and communities, we’ve discovered several potential fixes that should resolve this pesky problem. Implementing the solutions outlined below will get File Picker UI Host responding again, so you can get back to seamlessly attaching files.

Reset and Re-Register the Problematic App

In many cases, the root of the "not responding" error lies with the Windows 10 Mail app itself. Resetting and re-registering the Mail app often eliminates any corrupt files or settings causing conflicts.

What is a file picker UI host?

The File Picker UI host (PickerHost.exe) is a legitimate Windows operating system file that is located in the System32 folder. It is required for the smooth running of the OS. It is also known to allow you to share files and folders with another app, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Paint, or Microsoft Excel.

Is pickerhost a virus?

We would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you might have. If PickerHost.exe is located in the System32 folder then it is the legit Microsoft file. You may check its Properties to reconfirm. If it is located elsewhere it could well be a virus. You need to scan your system with your antivirus software to remove it.

Here’s how to re-register the app:

  1. Search for Windows PowerShell and open it with admin privileges.

  2. Paste and run the following command:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}

  3. Let the command complete, then close PowerShell.

This should fully re-register the Mail app, potentially resolving any issues. If problems persist, a full reset is the next step:

  1. Go toSettings > Apps > Apps & features
  2. SelectMail & Calendar
  3. ClickAdvanced options
  4. SelectResetand confirm

Resetting reinstalls a clean working version of the app, eliminating any corrupted files.

Run SFC and DISM Scans

System file corruption is another common source of "not responding" errors. Running SFC and DISM scans will detect and replace any corrupted OS files.

To run SFC:

  1. Open Command Prompt as admin
  2. Typesfc /scannowand hit Enter
  3. Let scan run and restart PC

If SFC finds errors it can’t fix, run DISM:

Why is Windows Hello displaying an “unsupported_processor” error message?

Windows Hello using face, fingerprint or PIN might be affected. Microsoft has received reports of an issue in which users are receiving an “UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR” error message on a blue screen after installing updates released on August 22, 2023 ( KB5029351) and then restarting their device.

Why is file picker UI host not responding?

If you try to run an outdated version of a program or UWP app, you may encounter the File Picker Ul Host is not responding error on your computer. This problem also occurs when you try to attach a file to the email. Some users reported that it freezes the computer and shows the following error message: File Picker UI Host is not responding.

Why is my WSUS server not working?

Affected WSUS servers are only those running Windows Server 2022 which have been upgraded from Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019. This issue is caused by the accidental removal of required Unified Update Platform (UUP) MIME types during the upgrade to Windows Server 2022 from a previous version of Windows Server.

  1. In admin Command Prompt
  2. TypeDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Let scan complete and restart PC

With any corrupted files replaced, File Picker UI Host should start responding again.

Clean Boot Windows

Conflicts between Windows services and startup programs can manifest as "not responding" errors. Performing a clean boot isolates File Picker UI Host by starting Windows with only essential services enabled.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open Task Manager > Startup tab
  2. Disable all startup items
  3. Typemsconfiginto the Start menu
  4. Go to the Services tab and checkHide all Microsoft services
  5. ClickDisable all
  6. Restart PC

If the error doesn’t appear when clean booted, a startup item or service is likely the culprit. Enable them selectively to pinpoint the conflict.

Adjust Virtual Memory and Performance

File Picker UI Host may fail to respond if Windows lacks the necessary virtual memory or CPU resources. Optimizing these performance settings prevents slowdowns.

  1. Typesysdm.cplinto the Start menu
  2. Go to theAdvancedtab >PerformanceSettings
  3. SelectAdjust for best performance
  4. ClickChangeunder Virtual memory
  5. UncheckAutomatically manage
  6. Set initial and max size to the same value
  7. ClickSetand restart PC

With maximum performance achieved, File Picker UI Host should have the resources it needs.

Why is file picker ul host not responding?

TheWindowsClub covers authentic Windows 11, Windows 10 tips, tutorials, how-to’s, features, freeware. Created by Anand Khanse, MVP. If you try to run an outdated version of a program or UWP app, you may encounter the File Picker Ul Host is not responding error on your computer. This problem also occurs when you try to attach a file to the email.

How to fix GUI performance issues in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update?

On the right, scroll down to Exploit protection and click on the link Exploit protection settings. On the next page, set the option Control Flow Guard (CFG) to Off by default using the drop down list. You are done! This should resolve all the GUI performance and responsiveness issues in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

How do I collect data for a server freeze?

To collect data for a server freeze, check the following table, and use one or more of the suggested methods. Use a memory dump file to collect data. Or use method 2, 3, or 4. These methods are listed later in this section. Use method 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Update Windows and Apps

The File Picker UI Host error often arises after major Windows 10 updates. Updates can sometimes introduce compatibility issues between the OS and apps.

Make sure Windows and all software are fully updated:

  • Check for Windows updates in Settings
  • Update all drivers
  • Update hardware firmware
  • Update third-party apps

Staying updated ensures maximum compatibility and stability.

Conclusion

With a mix of app resets, system scans, performance tweaks, and software updates, you should be able to get File Picker UI Host responding reliably again. Pay special attention to Windows Mail app re-registration and clean booting to isolate any problematic services.

Don’t hesitate to contact Microsoft Support if issues continue persisting. The forums also provide a wealth of crowdsourced solutions from Windows power users. With diligent troubleshooting, you can overcome this "not responding" headache.

What happens if a Windows based file server stops responding?

A Windows-based file server that is configured as a file and print server stops responding and file and print server functionality temporarily stops. You experience an unexpectedly long delay when you open, save, close, delete, or print files that are located on a shared resource.

How to fix Windows 10 file and folder problems?

Refer the article Automatically diagnose and repair Windows file and folder problems and see if that helps. Try resetting the File Explorer settings to defaults and see if that helps. Press Windows + E key to open File Explorer. Now click on View and click on Options. On the Folder Options window click on Restore Defaults.

Why is my Windows 10 not working?

Missing or corrupted system files are another possible culprit that might cause this issue. If that is the case, you need to run System File Checker and Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tool to scan the protected Windows files and replace the faulty system files.

We wish you the best in getting your system back up to maximum productivity. Let us know in the comments below if any of these solutions did the trick or if you discovered another effective fix!

References

  1. https://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-file-picker-ui-host-pickerhost-exe-is-not-responding
  2. https://appuals.com/ui-host-is-not-responding/

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