Photoshop Elements Becomes Unresponsive When Opening File

I've been having a recent issue with my Photoshop Elements 15 software on Windows 11, but the same issue persists in all Photoshop Elements editions, including 2024 and 2025.

When trying to open a file via the Open button, the software can't load the folder/file structure, it simply locks up and becomes unresponsive. The message "We're working on it..." is displayed in the file window but nothing else happens. The only way to shut it down is via the Task Manager. I tried reinstalling the software, as well as installing other editions of Photoshop, including the trial versions of 2024 and 2025, but they all exhibit the same issue. They all lock up when trying to open a file.

I also tried "repairing" or "resetting" Photoshop Elements in Windows Settings but it made no difference.

If I "send" an image file directly to Photoshop, via the File Explorer or a file manager like Total Commander, then it works, PE opens the file without issue. But something within the Photoshop's file explorer doesn't work.

I also tried resetting all default apps in Windows 11, but it didn't help. What solved the issue intermittently was completely reinstalling (factory resetting) Windows, but it only worked for a while, as of today Photoshop Elements keep locking up every time again. I haven't installed any image editor software or anything else that could mess with Photoshop files. Obviously, resetting Windows every month is not feasible.

The maddening thing is that Photoshop Elements used to work properly even yesterday. This issue simply appeared today (I haven't even restarted my laptop, it was in sleep mode as always).

Other image editors like MS Paint do not have this issue.

If anyone has encountered this error and/or has any idea how to fix this, I'd be grateful. (Please note my Windows is Hungarian, that's why the file explorer window in the attached image is not English.)