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How to Fix File Explorer Crashes in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

File Explorer is an essential part of Windows 11, helping you navigate files and folders with ease. However, it can sometimes crash unexpectedly, causing frustration and interrupting your workflow. Fixing File Explorer crashes is usually straightforward with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to get File Explorer running smoothly again. No advanced technical knowledge is needed — just follow along carefully.

Each step addresses common causes of crashes, from minor glitches to system issues. We’ll start with the simplest fixes and move to more advanced options if needed.

By the end, you should have a stable File Explorer experience and know what to do if problems persist.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before you try any fixes, make sure to check these quick points. Sometimes the problem is simple and can be resolved without much effort.

  • Restart your computer. This refreshes system processes and often solves minor glitches.
  • Check for Windows updates. Microsoft regularly releases fixes that improve system stability.
  • Close other running apps. Conflicting applications can cause File Explorer to crash.
  • Make sure your files and folders are not corrupted. Damaged files can cause Explorer issues.

Step 1: Restart File Explorer

One of the simplest and quickest fixes is to restart the File Explorer process. This can clear temporary glitches that cause crashes.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, scroll down and find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart. This will close and reopen File Explorer.
  4. Check if File Explorer still crashes.

Why this helps: Restarting File Explorer resets its current state without needing to reboot your entire PC.

Step 2: Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer stores a history of files and folders you’ve accessed. Sometimes this cache can become corrupted, causing crashes.

  1. Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
  2. Click on File Explorer Options (or Folder Options).
  3. Under the General tab, find the Privacy section.
  4. Click Clear to delete the File Explorer history.
  5. Click OK to close the window.
  6. Try using File Explorer again.

Why this helps: Clearing history removes corrupted cache data that can trigger crashes.

Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Sometimes system files that support File Explorer get corrupted. Running the System File Checker can repair these files.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. In the black command window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take several minutes.
  5. If issues are found, the tool will attempt to fix them automatically.
  6. Restart your PC when done and check if File Explorer still crashes.

Why this helps: The SFC tool repairs damaged Windows system files that could be causing instability.

Step 4: Check for Problematic Shell Extensions

Third-party programs often add extra options to File Explorer’s right-click menu, called shell extensions. Broken or incompatible extensions can crash Explorer.

To diagnose this, you can use a free tool called ShellExView:

  1. Download ShellExView from NirSoft.
  2. Run the program (no installation needed).
  3. Sort the list by the Type column and look for Context Menu entries.
  4. Disable all non-Microsoft extensions by selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing Disable Selected Items.
  5. Restart your PC and test File Explorer.
  6. If the crash stops, re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.

Why this helps: Identifying and removing faulty shell extensions prevents crashes caused by third-party conflicts.

Step 5: Reset File Explorer Folder Views

Custom folder views can sometimes cause issues. Resetting them to default can help.

  1. Open File Explorer Options again (via Control Panel).
  2. Go to the View tab.
  3. Click the Reset Folders button.
  4. Confirm when prompted.
  5. Click OK and close the window.
  6. Check if File Explorer is stable now.

Why this helps: Resets any problematic folder view settings that might cause Explorer to malfunction.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

File Explorer uses your graphics driver to display windows and icons. An outdated or corrupted driver can cause crashes.

To update your graphics driver:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
  5. Restart your PC after the update.

If updating doesn’t help, consider uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it from your manufacturer’s website.

Why this helps: Graphics drivers impact how File Explorer renders UI elements. Keeping them updated ensures smooth operation.

Step 7: Create a New User Account

Sometimes user profile corruption causes File Explorer to crash. Creating a new user account can help test this.

  1. Open Settings using Win + I.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add account under Other users.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  5. Sign out and log in with the new account.
  6. Check if File Explorer works without crashing.

Why this helps: This determines if the problem is limited to your current user profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does File Explorer keep crashing suddenly?

File Explorer may crash due to corrupted cache, outdated system files, problematic third-party extensions, or driver issues.

Can a virus cause File Explorer to crash?

Yes, malware can interfere with system processes like File Explorer. Running a full antivirus scan is recommended if crashes persist.

Is it safe to disable shell extensions?

Disabling non-Microsoft shell extensions temporarily is safe and helps identify problematic ones. You can re-enable them later if needed.

Will resetting File Explorer options delete my files?

No, resetting File Explorer settings only affects how folders are displayed. Your files remain untouched.

How often should I update Windows and drivers?

Regular updates (monthly or when prompted) ensure your system stays secure and stable, reducing chances of crashes.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and File Explorer still crashes, consider these final options:

  • Run DISM tool: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows image files.
  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous point when File Explorer was working fine.
  • Reset or reinstall Windows 11: This is a last resort but can resolve deep system issues.
  • Visit Microsoft Support: Check the official Windows support site for updates and assistance: https://support.microsoft.com/windows.

Conclusion

File Explorer crashes in Windows 11 can disrupt your productivity, but most issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Start by restarting File Explorer and clearing its history. If problems persist, running system scans and checking for conflicting extensions usually helps.

Keeping your system updated and maintaining healthy user profiles also prevents future crashes. If all else fails, advanced tools like DISM or a system reset may be necessary.

By following these steps carefully, you can restore a smooth and reliable File Explorer experience in Windows 11.

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