Are you constantly annoyed because Windows 10 File Explorer keeps crashing? You’re not alone. Many users experience issues where File Explorer keeps freezing or Windows Explorer crash happens frequently. Whether it’s explorer.exe keeps crashing or file explorer crashing Windows 10, the problem can interrupt productivity and make your system feel unstable. This issue doesn’t just happen in Windows 10. It can also affect Windows 11 and even older versions of Windows. So if you’re asking, “Why does File Explorer keep crashing?” or “Why does Windows Explorer keep freezing?”, this blog is for you. In this guide, we’ll show you 8 effective methods to solve the Windows File Explorer keeps crashing issue.
The File Explorer keeps crashing Windows 10 problem can be caused by several issues like corrupt files, system errors, faulty drivers, outdated software, or third-party extensions. Fixing it can involve anything from restarting the File Explorer to resetting your system settings. Let’s dive into 8 step-by-step solutions to stop your Windows File Explorer from crashing and make your computer stable again.
Sometimes, all you need is a quick restart of the File Explorer process. This is the easiest fix when File Explorer crashes or keeps freezing. It clears temporary glitches that could be causing the crash.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Scroll down to find Windows Explorer in the list.
Right-click on Windows Explorer and choose Restart.
Wait a few seconds. Your taskbar might flash or go blank briefly and then reload.
After restarting, check if the File Explorer keeps crashing problem is solved.
Windows Explorer keeps freezing may happen because of a corrupted history cache. Clearing this cache often fixes the problem.
Press Windows + R, type control folders, and hit Enter.
In the Folder Options window, go to the General tab.
Under the Privacy section, click Clear.
Click Apply and then OK.
Now reopen File Explorer to see if it still crashes or freezes.
Corrupted system files can be the reason why Windows 10 Explorer keeps crashing. Running built-in tools like SFC and DISM will fix broken system files.
Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Type the following and press Enter:
Wait for the scan to complete.
Then type the following and press Enter:
Restart your PC after both scans finish.
This can help if explorer.exe keeps crashing due to corrupt system files.
If File Explorer keeps crashing on Windows 11, disabling the Quick Access view can help. Sometimes, Quick Access tries to load corrupted recent files or folders, causing a crash.
Press Windows + R, type control folders, and press Enter.
Under the General tab, find Open File Explorer to:
Change the dropdown from Quick access to This PC.
Also, uncheck both:
Show recently used files in Quick access
Show frequently used folders in Quick access
Click Apply and then OK.
Now check if File Explorer crashing Windows 10 is resolved.
Outdated software or drivers are common causes when Windows 10 File Explorer keeps crashing. Keeping your system and drivers up-to-date can fix this problem.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
For drivers, press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Right-click on key devices (Display adapter, disk drives, etc.) and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Restart your PC after all updates.
Sometimes File Explorer keeps freezing due to third-party software interference. Performing a clean boot disables all non-Microsoft services to check for conflicts.
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Disable all startup items.
Close Task Manager, click OK, and restart your computer.
If the issue is gone, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
If you’ve made changes to File Explorer settings, reverting them back to default might fix the File Explorer crashes issue.
Press Windows + R, type control folders, and press Enter.
Go to the General tab and click Restore Defaults.
Then go to the View tab and click Restore Defaults again.
Click Apply, then OK.
Restart File Explorer and test again.
Sometimes the issue is tied to a corrupt user profile. Creating a new user account can help isolate the problem.
Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
Click Add someone else to this PC.
Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Create a username and password.
Log in with the new account and check if File Explorer keeps crashing.
If it works fine, your original account might be corrupted.
Q1. Why does File Explorer keep crashing in Windows 10?
A: It can happen due to corrupted files, outdated drivers, buggy system updates, or third-party software interference.
Q2. Is it safe to restart Windows Explorer?
A: Yes, restarting File Explorer is completely safe. It refreshes your desktop, taskbar, and open folders.
Q3. What’s the difference between File Explorer crashing and freezing?
A: Crashing means the window closes unexpectedly, while freezing means it becomes unresponsive.
Q4. Can antivirus software cause File Explorer to crash?
A: Yes, some third-party antivirus tools can interfere with File Explorer. Try disabling them temporarily to test.
Q5. What if none of these solutions work?
A: If none of the fixes work, consider doing a System Restore, Reset this PC, or even a clean Windows installation as a last resort.
If your File Explorer keeps crashing or Windows Explorer keeps freezing, it’s a frustrating experience — but definitely fixable. Whether you’re seeing explorer.exe keeps crashing, dealing with file explorer crashing Windows 10, or facing repeated freezes, the solutions above should help. Start with simple fixes like restarting File Explorer or clearing history, and move on to deeper methods like running SFC scans or creating a new user account. These tips apply to both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and even older versions in many cases. By following these steps, you can stop worrying about Windows 10 File Explorer keeps crashing and enjoy a smooth and reliable experience.
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