Windows Explorer on Taskbar when clicked keeps on restarting after Windows 11 Update

Question

Whenever I click Windows Explorer on the taskbar, it keeps restarting, but after I use search and go to things like downloads, it fixes it, but then again, after I restart my device, the issue is there again.

Answer 1

I had the same issue and the problem turned out to be some recently opened file/folder in Quick Access... Most probably a OneDrive/SharePoint issue.

Here is the solution:

Once you open Windows Explorer by another way (through the "Documents" shortcut in Start, for example), on the Ribbon click View, then Options. On the General tab, go down to the Privacy section and hit "Clear". This clears the recently used files in Quick Access and stops explorer from crashing and restarting.

Answer 2

Hello

I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this issue. Here are a few methods you could try to resolve the problem:

Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select the Processes tab. Scroll down and select Windows Explorer, right-click then select Restart.

Check for updates: Select Start > Settings > Windows Update. Select Check for updates. Install any available and pending updates and restart your device..

Run System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow then press Enter.

Run DISM: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth then press Enter.

Perform a Clean Boot: Determine whether a background program or a software conflict is causing the issue. Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: msconfig. Press Enter, select System Configuration > go to the Services tab. Select and make sure to put a check mark on “Hide all Microsoft services”. Click Disable all. Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all the unnecessary services running there. Restart your computer.

Modify Registry: It seems that this issue might be related to OneDrive. You need to login to the user which has explorer.exe crashing. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del -> Task Manager -> Run new task -> Type: regedit. Browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ and rename BannerStore key to BannerStore_bak. It should immediately stop crashing.

Please remember to back up your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution as incorrect changes can cause stability issues.

Answer 3

That was the issue. Thanks, all well now

Answer 4

That worked! You've saved me some pain and quite a bit of frustration. Thanks :-)