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Fix: File Explorer Keeps Opening by Itself in Windows 11
Restart File Explorer to clear any corrupt cache
6 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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Key notes
File Explorer is a Microsoft tool that allows you to manage your files, and it’s one of the most used utilities on Windows 11. However, sometimes, it may exhibit strange behaviors, like when it keeps opening itself.
Sometimes theFile Explorer is unresponsive and keeps freezing. While these are normal occurrences, it doesn’t mean they are not annoying. If you have experienced this issue, below we debunk why it happens and offer various troubleshooting options.
Why is my File Explorer opening on its own?
If you’re experiencing a problem where File Explorer keeps opening itself in Windows 11, below are some possible triggers:
How do I stop File Explorer from opening?
Before proceeding to the multiple-step solutions, try the following:
1. Restart File Explorer
2. Clear File Explorer history
3. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Alternatively, scan your PC with aspecialized repair tooland allow it to fix any issues that can lead to File Explorer errors. They are user-friendly, accurate, and can help you maintain overall good system functionality.
4. Run a virus scan
5. Disable File Explorer Hotkey
Editing the registry is a delicate operation, and it’s important to be mindful of your actions. The Windows Registry is a database that stores all sorts of information about your computer.
If you make changes to it, they’ll be permanent. You should exercise caution when editing the registry because doing so can affect your entire system.
6. Create a new user account
7. Perform a clean boot
A clean boot is a way to safely remove a program or configuration file that may be causing issues in your PC. By performing a clean boot, you can find out which program or files are causing problems and fix them.
How to stop File Explorer from opening on Startup in Windows 11?
Windows File Explorer is a file manager that can manage files and folders on your computer. It’s a common utility for many users, but some users who preferthird-party file managersmay not have much use for it.
As such, having it open during startup can be a nuisance and contribute to your PC taking too long to start.
If you’re not using it, you might want to disable it. To do so, follow the steps below:
The steps above also apply when File Explorer keeps opening by itself in Windows 10 and 7 too. You may also encounter an issue where theFile Explorer keeps crashing, so check out our article on how to solve it.
If you experiencelag issues with File Explorer, we also have an expert article to boost its speed once again. Don’t forget that you can alsocustomize your File Explorerif you want to get the most out of it.
For any additional thoughts on this topic, leave us a comment down below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,file management tools
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
