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File Explorer Crashes in Windows 10? 10 Easy Ways to Fix it
Get things running in no time with our solutions
9 min. read
Updated onMarch 25, 2024
updated onMarch 25, 2024
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File Explorer is a built-in application excessively used in Windows to access folders and files on the PC. Over the years, there have been significant upgrades to the app, but still, many report File Explorer crashes in Windows.
While there are several reports ofFile Explorer running slow, it could be linked to a trivial problem with the PC. Though when the application crashes, there’s a major underlying cause that needs to be eliminated right away. So, let’s find out all about it.
Why does File Explorer keep crashing?
Microsoft has already rolled out a series of cumulative updates to fix this issue, but many users still report Files Explorer crashes. Here are the most common causes of File Explorer crashes:
How do I fix Windows Explorer crashing?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick tips that might help:
If none work, head to the fixes listed next.
1. Repair corrupt system files
If file explorer keeps crashing when opening, you may want to start by repairing/replacing corrupt system files. Whilerunning the DISM tooland SFC scan is a great fix, a specialized tool might do a more effective job.
Alternatively, you can usespecialized repair softwarebecause it replaces severely damaged Windows system files with clean, up-to-date ones from their databases. You can allow it to perform this action without harming your user data.
2. Uninstall recent Windows Update
If File Explorer is crashing in Windows 10 after installing updates, it could be a bug to blame. And the best way out is to uninstall the buggy version and wait for a patch to be released. You can alsodisable automatic updatesto make sure Windows doesn’t get it again.
3. Modify folder properties
This works if File Explorer crashes when openingDownloadsor any other specific folder. Just disable theRead-onlyattributes, and things should be up and running.
4. Reinstall the graphics driver
If File Explorer crashes, that might be due to your graphics card driver. To fix the issue, we recommend reinstalling your graphics card driver. If you want to remove all files associated with your graphics card, you might want to useDisplay Driver Uninstaller.
After removing the driver, you need to visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your device.
Another great way to do it is to use adedicated driver updater software, which will search for a working version and overwrite the faulty one. Usually, this type of software can choose which driver to install and which not.
This type of tool is beneficial when you are not sure about what version is needed. Instead of risking downloading the wrong version, and making things even worse, use one of the tools.
In this case, the following software app can be very helpful. It is an adequate tool that will easily monitor your device drivers and search for any kind of problem it might experience.
Outbyte Driver Updater
5. Change display settings
A few users reported that File Explorer crashes when searching was usually a result of a bug in the OS which messed things up if theScalewas set to 175%. So, change it and verify whether the problem is resolved.
6. Uninstall conflicting apps
Another quick fix if File Explorer crashes when renaming, moving, or deleting files is to uninstall the conflicting app or program. There are several of these, though if managed to identify a few and have listed them here:
If you have any of these or a similar one, uninstall the app, and File Explorer should start running normally.
7. Remove items from the Quick Access menu
8. Clear File Explorer cache
If you face File Explorer crashes when opening PDF, maybe clearing the history might help as it did to other users.
9. Disable problematic context menu items
After Windows Explorer restarts, the disabled applications won’t appear in your context menu anymore, and the problem should be resolved. According to users, the following items can cause this problem to appear on your PC, so be sure to disable them:
According to users, File Explorer crashes can occur due to certain context menu items. Usually, third-party applications will add their features to your context menu, causing this problem whenever you right-click something.
To fix this issue, you need to use ShellExView software. This is a freeware application that allows you to disable context menu items. These are the common causes of this problem, but other third-party applications can also cause this issue.
10. Perform an in-place upgrade
If the previous solutions didn’t help fix File Explorer crashes in Windows, an in-place upgrade should do the trick.
What happens when File Explorer crashes?
A File Explorer crash makes the whole screen go black, including the taskbar, the wallpaper, the desktop icons, and other similar elements. The reason, all these are tied to theexplorer.exeprocess.
When that happens, pressCtrl+Shift+Escto open the Task Manager and run a new task by the name,explorer.exe. As soon as it starts running, Windows will function normally.
How do I know if my File Explorer is corrupted?
There are several identifiable signs when File Explorer is corrupted. The most common are persistent crashes and extremely slow performance.
Also, the app’s display may seem a little off or distorted, certain files won’t open, and a few folders may go missing. Remember, this, too, can be fixed by using the solutions listed here.
Before you leave, do check some quick tricks andtips to speed up Windows.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
