Experiencing frequent File Explorer crashes? The most common fixes are to restart File Explorer, run the System File Checker, or disable problematic shell extensions. This guide provides detailed steps to resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting File Explorer Crashes

Before attempting any of the fixes below, back up any important data. Unexpected issues can arise during troubleshooting.

1. Restart File Explorer (The First Line of Defense)

This simple step can often resolve temporary glitches.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Locate “Windows Explorer” in the Processes tab.
  • Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.”

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker is a built-in utility that scans for and replaces corrupted system files. This is a powerful tool for fixing underlying OS instability that affects File Explorer.

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for “cmd,” right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • The scan will take some time. Let it complete and follow any on-screen instructions. The SFC tool aims to repair any problems that it automatically detects.

3. Disable Problematic Shell Extensions

Shell extensions are third-party programs that integrate with File Explorer, adding extra functionality, usually to the context menu. These extensions can be a frequent source of crashes.

  • Download ShellExView from NirSoft (a safe and reliable source).
  • Run ShellExView.
  • Sort the list by “Company” or “Type” to identify non-Microsoft extensions.
  • Right-click suspicious extensions (especially those recently installed) and select “Disable.”
  • Restart File Explorer (as described in step 1) or reboot your computer.
  • If the crashes stop, re-enable the extensions one by one to identify the culprit. Uninstall the problematic extension.

4. Update or Roll Back Display Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics card drivers can often cause File Explorer to crash, especially when viewing image thumbnails or video previews.

  • Open Device Manager (search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu).
  • Expand “Display adapters.”
  • Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
  • If an update doesn’t fix the issue, try rolling back to a previous driver: Right-click the graphics card, select “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and click “Roll Back Driver” (if the option is available).
  • Consider downloading the latest driver directly from the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website. Clean install the driver using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from Wagnardsoft.

5. Clear File Explorer History

Corrupted or excessively large File Explorer history can sometimes trigger crashes.

  • Open File Explorer.
  • Click on the “View” tab.
  • Click on “Options” (in the “Show/hide” group).
  • In the “Privacy” section, click “Clear” next to “Clear File Explorer history.”

6. Troubleshoot Quick Access

Issues with the Quick Access feature, such as attempting to access unavailable network locations, can lead to crashes.

  • Open File Explorer.
  • Right-click on “Quick access” in the left pane.
  • Uncheck “Show frequently used folders” and “Show recently used files.”
  • If that resolves the issue, you can try adding back specific folders to Quick Access to identify if a specific folder is causing the problem.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the File Explorer crashes.

  • Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press 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 in Task Manager.
  • Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
  • Restart your computer.
  • If the problem is resolved, re-enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

8. Check for Memory Issues

Although less common, faulty RAM can sometimes cause File Explorer instability. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.

  • Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu and run it.
  • Choose to restart now and check for problems. The test will run during the reboot process.

9. Consider a System Restore

If all else fails, you can try restoring your system to a previous point in time when File Explorer was working correctly. Note: Any programs installed after the restore point will need to be reinstalled.

  • Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
  • Click “System Restore.”
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the File Explorer crashes and resolve the issue. Remember to reboot your computer after major changes like driver updates or disabling shell extensions. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from a qualified IT professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shell extension and how does it cause File Explorer to crash?

Shell extensions are third-party programs that add functionality to File Explorer, often through the context menu (right-click menu). Poorly coded or incompatible shell extensions can cause conflicts and lead to crashes. You can disable them using ShellExView to troubleshoot.

How do I run the System File Checker (SFC)?

To run SFC, open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for ‘cmd’, right-click, and select ‘Run as administrator’). Then, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. The scan will take some time to complete. Follow any on-screen instructions after the scan finishes.

What should I do if updating my display drivers doesn’t fix the File Explorer crashes?

If updating doesn’t work, try rolling back to a previous driver version. In Device Manager, right-click your graphics card, select ‘Properties’, go to the ‘Driver’ tab, and click ‘Roll Back Driver’ (if available). You can also download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).