Fixing File Explorer Crashes in Windows

by

File Explorer is the backbone of Windows, letting you browse files, manage folders, and access drives. But when File Explorer keeps crashing, freezing, or failing to respond, it disrupts productivity and may indicate deeper system issues.

If you’re dealing with this frustrating problem, don’t worry—most File Explorer crashes can be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps. This article covers common causes, proven fixes, and preventive tips to keep Windows running smoothly.

Why Does File Explorer Keep Crashing?

Several factors can cause File Explorer instability:

  • Corrupted system files
  • Faulty or outdated drivers
  • Third-party apps or extensions interfering
  • Corrupted Windows updates
  • Too many files or heavy folders loading at once
  • Outdated or buggy Windows version
  • Corrupt File Explorer cache

Identifying the root cause makes troubleshooting faster and more effective.

Step 1: Basic Fixes Before Advanced Solutions

Before diving deep, try these quick fixes:

  1. Restart File Explorer
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    • Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart.
  2. Restart Your PC
    A simple reboot clears memory issues that may be causing crashes.
  3. Check for Windows Updates
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Install pending updates, as they often contain stability fixes.

Step 2: Clear File Explorer History

A corrupted cache can cause crashes.

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Go to File Explorer Options.
  3. Under General, click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
  4. Restart your PC.

Step 3: Disable Problematic Startup Programs

Unnecessary apps running in the background can interfere with File Explorer.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager).
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Disable suspicious or unnecessary programs.
  4. Restart your computer.

Step 4: Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted Windows files often trigger File Explorer crashes.

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type: 
    sfc /scannow

    Press Enter and let it scan.

  3. If issues persist, run: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This repairs damaged system files and Windows components.

Step 5: Check File Explorer Add-ons and Context Menu Handlers

Third-party add-ons (like cloud storage integrations or antivirus extensions) can crash File Explorer.

  • Use a free tool like ShellExView to disable non-Microsoft extensions.
  • Restart File Explorer to see if the crashes stop.

Step 6: Adjust File Explorer Settings

1. Open File Explorer to “This PC” Instead of Quick Access

  • Right-click File Explorer in the taskbar > Options.
  • Change “Open File Explorer to” from Quick Access to This PC.

2. Disable Thumbnails

Heavy thumbnail loading can slow or crash Explorer.

  • In File Explorer Options > View, check Always show icons, never thumbnails.

Step 7: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated graphics or storage drivers may cause instability.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters and Disk drives.
  3. Right-click > Update driver.
  4. If issues started after an update, try Roll Back driver.

Step 8: Run a Clean Boot

To isolate third-party software conflicts:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to Services tab > check Hide all Microsoft services.
  3. Click Disable all.
  4. Go to Startup > Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
  5. Restart your PC.

If File Explorer works fine, re-enable services one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 9: Check for Malware or Viruses

Malware can corrupt system processes like File Explorer.

  • Run a full scan with Windows Security or a trusted antivirus.
  • Use free tools like Malwarebytes for deep scanning.

Step 10: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing works, you may need to repair Windows:

  • Reset this PC:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
    • Select Reset this PC > Keep my files (removes apps but keeps personal files).
  • Clean Install Windows:
    If the system is severely corrupted, reinstalling Windows ensures a fresh start.

How to Prevent File Explorer Crashes in the Future

  • Keep Windows and drivers updated.
  • Avoid overloading folders with thousands of files.
  • Regularly clean up junk files and temporary data.
  • Use reliable antivirus protection.
  • Disable unnecessary third-party add-ons.

Final Thoughts

A crashing File Explorer can be incredibly frustrating, but most problems are caused by corrupted files, faulty drivers, or conflicting third-party software. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can fix File Explorer crashes and restore smooth performance in Windows.

Also Read : 

  1. Fixing Static or Distorted Sound on Your Computer
  2. Fixing Audio Driver Errors in a Few Easy Steps
  3. Home Button Problems? Fixing iPhone and Samsung Touch & Physical Buttons

Leave a Comment