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How to Fix Explorer.exe Crashes in Windows 10 April Update: Step-by-Step Solutions

Explorer.exe is an essential process in Windows 10 that manages the desktop, taskbar, and file browsing. Sometimes, after the April update, users may experience crashes that disrupt their workflow. These crashes can be frustrating but are often fixable with some straightforward steps.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to stop explorer.exe from crashing. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By following this article, you should be able to restore your system’s stability and enjoy a smooth Windows experience again. Let’s get started with the basics first.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting, and it’s best to try solutions in order from easiest to more advanced.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into fixes, make sure you have a few things checked:

  • Save your work: Explorer crashes can cause unsaved files to be lost, so save everything important.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear temporary glitches causing explorer.exe issues.
  • Check for Windows updates: Microsoft often releases patches that fix bugs related to system processes.
  • Backup important data: It’s always a good idea to have a backup before making system changes.

Step 1: Restart the Explorer.exe Process

When explorer.exe crashes, restarting it manually can often fix the issue temporarily or permanently.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, scroll down to find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on Windows Explorer and choose Restart.
  4. You will notice your taskbar and desktop disappear briefly and then reload.

Why this helps: Restarting explorer.exe refreshes the graphical shell and clears minor glitches that can cause crashes.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Corrupted Files

Damaged or missing system files can cause explorer.exe to crash. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files automatically.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan may take some time. Wait until it completes and follow any on-screen instructions.

Why this helps: System files related to explorer.exe might be corrupted during updates. SFC repairs these issues, which can stop crashes.

Step 3: Check for Problematic Shell Extensions

Third-party applications often add shell extensions that integrate with File Explorer. Sometimes, these extensions cause conflicts after updates.

  1. Download a free utility called ShellExView.
  2. Run ShellExView and look for non-Microsoft extensions (they are usually highlighted).
  3. Disable all non-Microsoft extensions by selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing Disable Selected Items.
  4. Restart your PC and see if explorer.exe still crashes.
  5. If the issue is resolved, enable extensions one by one to identify the problematic one.

Why this helps: Disabling third-party shell extensions isolates the cause if an add-on is incompatible with the new update.

Step 4: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause display-related problems, including explorer.exe crashes.

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.
  5. Restart your computer after the update.

Why this helps: Updated drivers ensure better compatibility with Windows updates and prevent crashes caused by driver conflicts.

Step 5: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and programs. This helps identify if background apps are causing explorer.exe to crash.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check the box Hide all Microsoft services.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Next, go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable all startup items by right-clicking each and selecting Disable.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
  8. Restart your PC.
  9. If explorer.exe stops crashing, enable services and startup items one at a time to find the culprit.

Why this helps: Clean boot narrows down the cause by eliminating interference from third-party software.

Step 6: Use DISM to Repair Windows Image

If SFC couldn’t fix the problem, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair the Windows system image.

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

Wait patiently during each command. After completion, run sfc /scannow again to verify system integrity.

Why this helps: DISM repairs corruption in the Windows image that SFC cannot fix, stabilizing core system processes including explorer.exe.

FAQs

Why does explorer.exe keep crashing after the April update?

The update may introduce bugs, incompatible drivers, or corrupt system files. Third-party software conflicts can also cause crashes.

Is it safe to disable third-party shell extensions?

Yes, disabling them temporarily will not harm your system. You can always re-enable them later.

Can I reinstall Windows instead of these steps?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort and not necessary initially. Try the above solutions first for a quicker fix.

Will updating Windows fix explorer.exe crashes?

Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases fixes, so keeping your system updated is always recommended.

How do I know which third-party program is causing the issue?

Using a clean boot and enabling startup items or services one by one helps you identify the problematic software.

When Nothing Works

If explorer.exe continues to crash despite all attempts, consider these final options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes the user profile becomes corrupted. Creating a new account can help.
  • Perform a system restore: Roll back to a restore point before the update if available.
  • Reset or reinstall Windows: Use Settings > Update & Security > Recovery to reset your PC, keeping or removing files.
  • Visit Microsoft Support for official help and advanced troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Explorer.exe crashes after the Windows 10 April update can be annoying but are often fixable with simple steps. Starting with restarting the process and running system scans addresses most issues. Checking shell extensions and updating drivers target common causes related to third-party interference and hardware.

Using a clean boot and DISM helps resolve deeper system conflicts. If problems persist, more advanced methods like creating new user profiles or resetting Windows may be necessary.

By following this guide carefully, you can bring back a stable and smooth Windows experience without losing important data or spending hours troubleshooting.

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