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How to Fix File Explorer Crashing and Not Opening in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

File Explorer is an essential tool in Windows 11 that helps you manage your files and folders easily. Sometimes, it may crash or fail to open, causing frustration and disrupting your workflow. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions you can try to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step methods to get File Explorer working again. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.

By understanding the reasons behind File Explorer issues, you can solve them quickly and avoid future problems. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Whether you are a casual user or someone who works with files daily, these solutions are designed to help you restore File Explorer’s functionality.

Quick Note: Before You Start

Before trying any fixes, make sure to check the following:

  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple reboot clears temporary glitches causing File Explorer to crash.
  • Check for Windows updates: Keeping your system updated can fix bugs and improve stability.
  • Close unnecessary programs: Too many running apps can slow down your system and cause File Explorer to freeze or crash.
  • Run a quick virus scan: Malware or viruses can interfere with system processes like File Explorer.

Once these are done, you can move on to the troubleshooting steps below.

Step 1: Restart File Explorer from Task Manager

This is the simplest way to fix minor glitches with File Explorer. Restarting the process refreshes it without needing a full system reboot.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for Windows Explorer in the list of running processes.
  3. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
  4. Wait a few seconds for File Explorer to reload and then try opening it again.

This method often clears up temporary freezes or crashes quickly.

Step 2: Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer keeps a history of your recent files and folders. Sometimes, corrupted history data can cause it to crash or not open properly.

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.
  2. Type control.exe folders and press Enter to open Folder Options.
  3. In the General tab, find the Privacy section at the bottom.
  4. Click on Clear to delete File Explorer’s history.
  5. Click OK to close the window.

After clearing the history, try opening File Explorer again to see if the issue is fixed.

Step 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Corrupted system files can cause File Explorer to malfunction. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.

  1. Press Windows key, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command window, type the following and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

The scan may take some time. If it finds issues, it will attempt to fix them automatically.

Restart your computer after the scan completes to apply the fixes.

Step 4: Use DISM to Repair Windows Image

If the SFC tool did not resolve the issue, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair the underlying Windows image.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 3).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check for corruption and attempt to repair it. The process might take 10-15 minutes.

After completion, restart your PC and check if File Explorer opens normally.

Step 5: Disable Quick Access

Quick Access is the default landing page in File Explorer that shows recent files and frequently used folders. Sometimes, issues with Quick Access can cause File Explorer to crash.

  1. Open Folder Options again by pressing Windows key + R, typing control.exe folders, and pressing Enter.
  2. In the General tab, under Open File Explorer to:, change the dropdown from Quick Access to This PC.
  3. Uncheck both boxes under Privacy: Show recently used files in Quick Access and Show frequently used folders in Quick Access.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.

Try opening File Explorer again. If it works, the problem was likely related to Quick Access data.

Step 6: Create a New User Account

If File Explorer crashes only on your current user profile, the profile might be corrupted. Creating a new user account can help isolate the problem.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click on Add account under Other users.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  5. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
  6. Try opening File Explorer in the new account.

If File Explorer works fine here, you may want to transfer your files to the new account or repair your original profile.

FAQs

Why does File Explorer keep crashing in Windows 11?

File Explorer may crash due to corrupted system files, problematic updates, third-party software conflicts, or issues with Quick Access history.

Can restarting File Explorer fix the problem?

Yes, restarting File Explorer from Task Manager can resolve temporary glitches by refreshing the process.

Do I need technical knowledge to perform these fixes?

Not at all. This guide explains every step in a simple way, so anyone can follow along.

Will clearing File Explorer history delete my files?

No, it only clears recent file and folder lists, not your actual files.

Is running SFC and DISM safe?

Yes, these are built-in Windows tools designed to fix system file corruption safely.

What if File Explorer crashes after a Windows update?

Try uninstalling the recent update or wait for a new update from Microsoft that fixes the issue.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and File Explorer still crashes or won’t open, consider these options:

  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous state when File Explorer was working correctly.
  • Reset Windows 11: Use the “Reset this PC” feature in Settings to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for professional help.

These options are more advanced and should be used as a last resort after backing up important data.

Conclusion

File Explorer crashing or not opening in Windows 11 is a common issue that can be fixed with easy steps. Start by restarting File Explorer and clearing its history. Then, use built-in tools like SFC and DISM to repair system files. Changing settings like Quick Access or creating a new user account can also help isolate the problem.

Always begin with the simplest solutions and gradually move to more advanced ones. With patience and following this guide, you should be able to restore File Explorer functionality and get back to managing your files smoothly.

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