Fixed: Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing

If you have ever felt annoyed by Windows Explorer crashing unexpectedly, you’re not alone. This frequent problem can interrupt your tasks and make you look for ways to fix it.

Here are ten straightforward steps to help you troubleshoot and resolve Windows Explorer crashes effectively. From basic restarts to detailed system scans and checks, we’ll guide you through each step to make your system stable again.

Additionally, we will explore the causes behind these crashes and share best practices for preventing future occurrences. Read on to reclaim control over your Windows experience!

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer is often the simplest yet most effective method for resolving ongoing issues like crashing, especially in Windows 10 and Windows 11, as it refreshes system resources and clears temporary data that may be affecting your user experience.

This simple step can greatly improve how well Windows File Explorer works, especially when it stops working because of too much memory use or running tasks in the background.

By initiating a reboot, one allows the operating system to reallocate resources, terminate unresponsive applications, and clear out any lingering processes that might be causing system lag or instability.

This method is frequently suggested by experts as a primary troubleshooting step, given its ability to fix a variety of issues, from minor application glitches to more serious functional breakdowns.

If you are having continuous software problems, rebooting the system is often a simple and effective method to restore regular functioning.

Step 2: Check for Windows Updates

Checking for Windows updates is important to keep your system working well and secure, since updates often fix problems that might cause File Explorer or other apps to crash. According to Microsoft’s Security Update Guide FAQs, keeping your system updated is crucial for maintaining its security and performance.

To keep your operating system running well, you can check for updates in the Control Panel or Settings app.

In the Control Panel, go to ‘System and Security’ and click on ‘Windows Update’ to check for updates. You can also open Settings, choose ‘Update & Security’, and click ‘Check for updates.’

Keeping up with these updates improves system stability and fixes particular problems. For example, recent updates fix common File Explorer crashes, helping to avoid interruptions in your work.

Step 3: Run a Virus Scan

Running a complete virus scan with your antivirus software is essential to remove threats that could cause problems with Windows File Explorer, endanger your system’s safety, and risk data loss.

Different anti-virus programs are available today, from free options to paid services that provide extra security and tools.

Well-known software such as Norton, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky are effective in protecting computers from harmful attacks. According to TechRadar, these programs are consistently ranked among the best antivirus software for 2025.

To run a scan, users can open their anti-virus application and choose either a full system scan or a quick scan, depending on how urgent it is and their preferences.

Regularly checking for malware is important to keep your applications running well and to protect your system’s integrity.

By prioritizing these scans, users can preemptively address issues before they escalate into significant problems.

Step 4: Clear Temporary Files

Removing temporary files and cache can greatly improve Windows application performance and resolve issues with File Explorer. Doing this releases storage space and makes better use of system resources.

This basic upkeep task frees up space and helps the operating system work better by removing extra files that can make it slow.

Users can begin by utilizing built-in tools like Disk Cleanup, which scans for temporary files, system files, and cache data, allowing for effortless selection and removal.

Another option is to use third-party apps to handle this task more thoroughly, offering choices for a more extensive cleaning.

By regularly clearing these files, individuals make it easier to diagnose persisting issues, as it minimizes clutter and ensures that only essential files are left, leading to a more stable computing environment.

Step 5: Uninstall Recently Installed Programs

If you notice that Windows File Explorer starts crashing after the installation of new software, uninstalling those recently added third-party applications may resolve the issue by restoring system stability and functionality.

To handle this, go to the Control Panel or Settings app and select the option to see installed programs. Here, they can select the troublesome application and proceed with the uninstallation process.

Leveraging tools like the Reliability Monitor can be instrumental in pinpointing which installations might be causing issues, as it tracks application failures and system crashes over time. Using this monitor, people can learn about patterns and software, helping them decide which programs to delete for better system performance.

Step 6: Disable Non-Microsoft Shell Extensions

Disabling non-Microsoft shell extensions using tools like ShellExView can help identify and fix crashing issues in Windows File Explorer by removing potential conflicts caused by third-party extensions that interfere with system functionality.

Shell extensions are small software components that integrate seamlessly into the Windows operating system, enhancing the functionality of the File Explorer and other system features. According to ITPro Today, ShellExView provides a comprehensive view of these extensions, offering users the capability to manage them effectively.

Not all extensions are created equal; some can lead to instability or poor performance, resulting in frustrating user experiences such as crashes or sluggish response times.

By utilizing ShellExView, users can easily monitor these extensions, enabling or disabling them as needed to troubleshoot specific problems.

This process helps to find the cause of crashes and makes the interface more efficient, improving system reliability.

Step 7: Run System File Checker

Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool can help scan for and repair corrupted system files that may be causing crashing issues in Windows File Explorer, thereby enhancing the overall stability of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Corrupted files are essentially bits of data that have become damaged or altered, which can occur due to various reasons such as unexpected shutdowns, malware infections, or software conflicts.

When these files exist, they can interfere with how the system usually works, causing applications to act strangely, such as making File Explorer freeze or crash.

To use the SFC tool, first open the Command Prompt with administrative rights. Right-click the Start button and choose ‘Windows Terminal (Admin)’ or ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’ Then, type ‘sfc /scannow’ and press Enter.

The tool will begin examining the files and, once finished, will recommend any corrections needed to make sure the files are accurate.

Step 8: Check for Faulty Hardware

It’s important to look for problems with hardware parts, like bad RAM or old graphics drivers, when dealing with frequent crashes in Windows applications like File Explorer. These hardware issues can greatly impact how the system resources and performance work.

Neglecting these elements can lead to repeated system instability, interrupting productivity and causing frustration. Users often overlook the significance of regular hardware checks, but monitoring components is essential to maintain a smooth operating environment.

To assess hardware health effectively, running built-in diagnostic tools can identify potential faults. Updating graphics drivers can improve how they work with new applications, which helps prevent crashes. One of our most insightful case studies demonstrates how addressing these issues can prevent critical errors.

Regular maintenance practices, such as checking for overheating, verifying power supply integrity, and performing system scans, contribute significantly to prolonging the lifespan of hardware and ensuring a reliable computing experience.

Step 9: Perform a System Restore

Performing a system restore can revert your Windows operating system to a previous state, potentially resolving ongoing issues like File Explorer crashing by restoring your user profile and settings to a time when the system was functioning properly.

It is suggested to use this method if you face major system problems, like ongoing issues after installing or updating software that might have accidentally affected how the system works.

By using restore points, users can go back to times before problems started, often avoiding the need for a full system reset.

To start a system restore, go to the Control Panel and click on ‘Recovery’ options. Here, you can pick a restore point from a time and date when the system was working properly. Following the prompts will guide you through the process, allowing you to regain a more stable operating environment.

Step 10: Reinstall Windows

If all troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the crashing issues in Windows File Explorer, reinstalling Windows may be necessary to restore full functionality and eliminate any corrupt system files through a clean installation process.

To make sure that personal information and important files are safe, back up your data correctly before starting this process.

Users can use different recovery tools to make backup easy. Options include:

• Built-in choices like Windows Backup
• Third-party software
• Manual methods like copying files to an external hard drive

In the following sections, we will outline an easy, step-by-step process for data backup and how to reinstall Windows on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring that everything flows seamlessly without complications.

What Causes Windows Explorer to Keep Crashing?

Knowing why Windows Explorer crashes helps in solving the problem, as it might be due to damaged files, third-party apps that don’t work well, or system errors shown by certain error codes that cause Windows to be unstable.

Hardware problems such as failing hard drives or insufficient RAM can exacerbate these crashes, compromising overall system performance.

Users should be aware that new software or updates might interfere with current programs.

Analyzing error codes and logs from the Event Viewer can significantly aid in pinpointing the specific sources of these problems, allowing for a targeted approach to resolution.

By carefully evaluating these parts, users can bring back stability to their systems and improve their computing experience.

How Can You Stop Windows Explorer from Crashing Next Time?

To prevent Windows Explorer from crashing again, follow these steps to keep your system running well: update your software regularly, run security scans often, and monitor system resources to detect issues early.

To make the operating system more stable, users can use several tools made for these regular tasks. Using reliable software such as CCleaner can help remove unwanted files and make the system run better. Meanwhile, Windows Defender offers strong virus scanning features to protect against harmful threats.

Users should consider using Task Manager or Resource Monitor to keep an eye on system performance, allowing for timely intervention if any application begins to overwhelm available resources.

Establishing a regular schedule for these maintenance tasks, such as weekly updates or monthly system checks, can create a smoother and more reliable overall experience.

What Are the Common Reasons for Windows Explorer Crashes?

Windows Explorer might stop working due to problems with other software, damaged files, or incorrect system settings. These issues can affect how Windows looks and works.

These issues often manifest in various frustrating ways, such as unresponsive windows, error messages, or unexpected system freezes. For example, if a recently installed application interferes with Explorer due to compatibility issues, users might experience frequent crashes when attempting to browse files.

Corrupted files, often a result of improper shutdowns or malware, could prevent Explorer from opening certain directories, leading to delays and interruptions. Improper settings might cause Explorer to become unstable during routine tasks.

To begin diagnosing these problems, users can attempt to boot their system in safe mode to eliminate third-party influences, run a system file checker to fix corrupted files, or even reset file associations to see if that resolves the situation.

What Are the Signs of a More Serious Issue?

Signs of more serious issues within your Windows system may manifest as frequent application crashes, slow performance, and critical errors reported by the reliability monitor, indicating deeper underlying problems that need to be addressed promptly.

These symptoms can interfere with daily tasks and endanger important files, showing the need for fast action.

To effectively diagnose these concerns, users can turn to the reliability monitor, a built-in tool that provides a timeline of events, detailing application failures and hardware issues over time.

By regularly monitoring this data, one can identify patterns that signal brewing complications. Solving these problems quickly improves how well the system works and lowers the chance of losing data, keeping important information safe and easy to reach.

What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining a Stable Windows Explorer?

To keep Windows Explorer steady, it’s important to update regularly, apply security measures ahead of problems, and adjust system settings for better operation and to stop crashes.

To achieve this, users are encouraged to routinely check for Windows updates, ensuring that their operating system stays secure and equipped with the latest features.

Deleting applications you don’t use can free up space and make your system work better.

Regularly monitoring system health, such as running disk cleanups and checking for malware, also contributes significantly to a smooth experience.

By following these practices, Windows Explorer works better and creates a more dependable computing environment.