Computer freezes when trying to access github folder #22956

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1. github-actions

   added

   needs-triage

   on Oct 1, 2026
2. desktop-triage commented on Oct 1, 2026

   

   desktop-triagebot

   on Oct 1, 2026

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   Triage summary: This report lacks reproduction steps, logs, and screenshots, and it's ambiguous whether the described freeze happens in GitHub Desktop itself, Windows Explorer, or RStudio when it opens the repository folder. I'm suggesting unable-to-reproduce so we can request the specific details needed to investigate. No duplicates were found in a search of open/closed issues for similar freeze/hang reports tied to repository folder access or RStudio.

   Initial hypothesis: The available evidence does not support a concrete, source-grounded hypothesis. The title claims the "computer" freezes (not just the app), while the body says the issue occurs "trying to access the folder directly," which could mean opening the repo folder in Windows Explorer (outside Desktop's control), GitHub Desktop's "Show in Explorer"/"Open in external editor" action, or RStudio itself failing to open the directory — these point to very different root causes. No steps to reproduce, log files, or screenshots were provided, and the "Additional context" field is empty. To form a useful hypothesis we'd need: (1) confirmation of which application is actually freezing (Desktop, Explorer, or RStudio), (2) exact steps taken (e.g., clicking "Open in RStudio" vs. navigating via File Explorer), (3) whether the repository is large or has special characteristics (e.g., many files, located on a network/cloud-synced drive), and (4) GitHub Desktop log output from around the time of the freeze.

   Duplicate check: No matching duplicates found. #22893 ("git-remote-https hanging at 99% CPU on fetch") involves hangs but is specific to network fetch operations, not folder/explorer access, so it does not appear to be the same issue.

   Generated by Issue Triage (skills-driven) for #22956 · auto · 20.8 AIC · ⌖ 1.31 AIC · ⊞ 8.9K · ◷
3. babakks commented on Oct 6, 2026

   

   babakks

   on Oct 6, 2026

   Member

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   Thanks for reporting this, @slillywh! 🙏

   Could you please provide a few more details so we can investigate?

   1. Which application freezes: GitHub Desktop, RStudio, Windows Explorer, or the entire computer?
   2. What exact steps cause the freeze? For example, are you selecting Repository > Open in RStudio, using Show in Explorer, or opening the folder directly?
   3. Does this happen with every repository or only one particular repository?
   4. Where is the repository stored, such as a local drive, OneDrive, or a network drive?

   Please also attach the GitHub Desktop log file from immediately after the freeze. You can find it by opening GitHub Desktop and selecting Help > Show Logs in Explorer.
4. babakks

   added

   more-info-neededThe submitter needs to provide more information about the issueThe submitter needs to provide more information about the issue

   unable-to-reproduce

   on Oct 6, 2026
5. github-actions commented on Oct 6, 2026

   

   github-actionsbot

   on Oct 6, 2026 – with GitHub Actions

   Contributor

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   Thank you for your issue! Unfortunately, we are unable to reproduce the issue you are experiencing. Please provide more information so we can help you.

   Here are some tips for writing reproduction steps:

   • Step by step instructions accompanied by screenshots or screencasts are the best.
   • Be as specific as possible; include as much detail as you can.
   • If not already provided, include:
     • the version of the application you are using.
     • the operating system you are using
     • any environment factors you can think of.
     • any custom configuration you are using.
     • a log file from the day you experienced the issue (access log files via Help > Show Logs in Finder/Explorer).
   • If relevant and can be shared, provide the repository or code you are using.