Windows File Explorer provides a graphical user interface to access, view, and manage files and folders stored on computer. You can press the Windows key and I to quickly access File Explorer and navigate through the computer’s file system, including hard drives, folders, and files. However, sometimes you may notice Windows Explorer not responding, freezing, or closing unexpectedly. Well, this problem can be caused by several factors, such as corrupt files, system errors, faulty drivers, outdated software, or third-party extensions. If Windows Explorer keeps crashing or closes unexpectedly, this article will help you resolve the problem efficiently.
Why Windows File Explorer Crashes
Windows Explorer keeps crashing means that the File Explorer application in Windows is experiencing issues that cause it to close unexpectedly or become unresponsive. This can happen due to various reasons, such as incompatible third-party applications, system glitches, conflicting updates, corrupt system files, issues with graphics drivers, or problems with the Windows Search service.
- Corrupted system files: Damaged or missing system files can destabilize Explorer.
- Outdated or faulty drivers: Graphics and other hardware drivers that are outdated or corrupted can cause instability.
- Malware infections: Malicious software can interfere with system processes, including Explorer.
- Third-party extensions: Shell extensions or add-ons from third parties may conflict with Explorer’s normal operation.
- Software conflicts: Recently installed programs or updates may clash with system components.
Restart Windows Explorer
If Explorer becomes unresponsive or crashes repeatedly, restarting it via Task Manager is a quick solution. It also resolves temporary glitches that might cause the File Explorer to close unexpectedly.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Locate “Windows Explorer” under the Processes tab.
- Right-click and select Restart.
Run the System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files are one of the most common reasons why Windows File Explorer crashes or not responding. Running System File Checker sfc /scannow and DISM restore health command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth scans and repairs underlying system issues that may cause crashes.
- Press the Windows key, type cmd and Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to scan and repair corrupted or missing Windows system files.
- Next, run the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to scan and repair the Windows system image.
- These tools will scan and repair corrupted or missing system files. Let the scanning complete 100% its may take some time depending on the corruption level.
Once done, reboot your PC and check if this helps fix the Windows Explorer Crashes issue.
Clear File Explorer History and Cache
Accumulated cache or corrupted history can cause instability. Clearing this cache resolves crashes and helps it start fresh.
- Press Win + R, type Control folders, and hit Enter.
- Under the General tab, go to the Privacy section.
- Click the Clear button next to “Clear File Explorer history”.
- Click Apply, then OK.
This resets your Explorer history and often resolves bugs tied to old or corrupted path data.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases Windows updates that patch known bugs. Installing the latest Windows update ensures Explorer and other core components function as expected.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update, then click on Check for updates
- Download and install any pending patches.
- Restart your PC once updates are installed and check i this helps.
Uninstall Problematic Update:
Well, if you notice the problem started right after a system update, rolling back that update could restore stability.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History.
- Click Uninstall updates.
- Remove the update that coincided with the crash issue.
If stability returns, you can pause updates temporarily and wait for a future patch.
Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Conflicts
Background applications, including antivirus software, can interfere with Explorer. A clean boot disables non-essential services and startup items, helps identify and isolate problematic software.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items and restart your PC.
If File Explorer works normally in clean boot, one of the disabled apps/services is likely the culprit.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers, especially for graphics, can lead to instability. Updating drivers manually or using third-party driver update tools can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.
- Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
You can also visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA) for the latest drivers.
Disable Third-Party Shell Extensions
Again, Shell extensions from third-party applications can interfere with File Explorer’s right-click context menu.
- Download a free tool like ShellExView.
- Run the tool and sort extensions by Type.
- Look for non-Microsoft context menu handlers.
- Right-click and disable one by one, and test Explorer after each.
This method helps identify if a third-party extension is causing the crashes.
Create a New User Profile
If your user profile is corrupted, it might cause persistent File Explorer crashes.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Click Add account and create a new local user.
- Log in with the new account and check if the issue exists.
If not, transfer your files and settings to the new profile.
Again, Malware infections can cause instability. Perform a full system scan with Windows Security or a trusted antivirus program.
Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with File Explorer. Temporarily disable or uninstall it to see if the issue resolves.
FAQs
Q1. Why does my Windows File Explorer keep crashing?
A: Common reasons include corrupted system files, faulty third-party extensions, outdated drivers, or buggy Windows updates.
Q2. Is there a way to reset File Explorer?
A: Yes, you can restart it from Task Manager or reset folder view settings via File Explorer Options.
Q3. Can a virus cause File Explorer to crash?
A: Yes, certain types of malware can interfere with system processes. Running a full antivirus scan is recommended.
Q4. What if none of the fixes work?
A: If other solutions fail, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state or reset Windows to its default state
