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How to Fix Explorer.exe Crash Loop Error on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing an explorer.exe crash loop on Windows 10 can be frustrating. This issue causes the desktop and taskbar to disappear and reload repeatedly. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy and effective solutions. No advanced technical skills are required. Just follow each step carefully to restore your system’s stability.

Explorer.exe is a critical Windows process that manages the desktop, taskbar, and file management. When it crashes, your system’s usability is affected.

Let’s explore the solutions, beginning with quick checks and moving to more detailed fixes.

Quick Note: Preliminary Checks Before You Begin

Before diving into troubleshooting, ensure the following:

  • Save your work: Since explorer.exe controls your desktop, unexpected crashes may cause loss of unsaved data.
  • Check for recent changes: Have you recently installed any new software, updates, or drivers? These can sometimes trigger the issue.
  • Run a virus scan: Malware can cause system instability. Use your antivirus to scan and remove any threats.
  • Backup important files: It’s always wise to have backups before performing system repairs.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer Manually

This is the simplest fix and often resolves temporary glitches.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for Windows Explorer under the “Processes” tab.
  3. If you find it, select it and click Restart at the bottom-right.
  4. If Windows Explorer is not running, click File > Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.

This step refreshes the explorer process without rebooting your PC. It can clear minor errors causing the crash.

Step 2: Check for Corrupted System Files using SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files often cause explorer.exe crashes. Windows includes tools to scan and repair these files.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
  4. If SFC reports errors it can’t fix, run the following commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check and repair Windows image files that SFC relies on. After completion, restart your computer.

Step 3: Disable Third-Party Shell Extensions

Sometimes third-party software adds extensions to the right-click menu or explorer interface, causing instability.

  1. Download and run a free tool called ShellExView.
  2. Sort the list by “Type” and look for Context Menu extensions.
  3. Disable all non-Microsoft extensions by selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing “Disable Selected Items.”
  4. Restart your PC and check if the crash loop stops.
  5. If it works, re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.

Disabling problematic extensions helps isolate software conflicts without uninstalling programs.

Step 4: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping identify if background programs cause the issue.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  3. Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
  5. Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
  6. Restart your computer.

If the explorer.exe crash stops, you can enable services and startup items one by one to find the problematic software.

Step 5: Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated Windows updates or device drivers can cause system instability.

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  3. Restart your PC after updates are installed.
  4. For drivers, visit your PC manufacturer’s website or use Device Manager:
  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Right-click devices like display adapters or disk drives and select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Keeping your system updated reduces compatibility issues.

Alternative Method: Create a New User Account

If explorer.exe crashes only occur in your current user profile, creating a new account may help.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new user account.
  5. Log out and sign in with the new account.

This method helps determine if the issue is profile-specific and can be a temporary workaround.

FAQs

What causes explorer.exe to crash repeatedly?

Common causes include corrupted system files, incompatible software or shell extensions, malware infections, and outdated drivers or Windows updates.

Is it safe to disable shell extensions?

Yes, disabling third-party shell extensions temporarily does not harm your system. You can always re-enable them later.

Will restarting explorer.exe fix the problem permanently?

Restarting explorer.exe can fix temporary glitches but may not solve underlying issues. Follow the complete steps for a permanent fix.

Can malware cause explorer.exe crashes?

Yes, malware can interfere with system processes, including explorer.exe. Running a thorough antivirus scan is important.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to fix this?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort. Usually, the steps above resolve the issue without needing a full reinstall.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and the explorer.exe crash loop continues, consider these final options:

  • System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous working state using a restore point.
  • Reset Windows: Use the “Reset this PC” feature in Settings to reinstall Windows while keeping your files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for specialized help.

Conclusion

Explorer.exe crash loops can disrupt your Windows 10 experience, but most issues are fixable with simple troubleshooting. Start by restarting Windows Explorer and scanning for corrupted files. Next, check for problematic software or drivers, and consider creating a new user account if needed.

By following these step-by-step solutions, you can restore your system’s stability without advanced technical knowledge. Always remember to back up important data before making major changes.

With patience and systematic troubleshooting, your explorer.exe will be running smoothly again in no time.

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