How do I fix file explorer crashing windows explorer entirely?

Question

I started having this issue where left/right clicking photos or videos, selecting multiple or other random things like trying to start command prompt had crashed windows explorer and took out my task bar for a while. The file crashes only happen with file explorer, and don't crash when uploading a file from an app or web browser (e.g. sending a picture to someone in direct messages via discord or similar).

I'm not sure what caused this. I've tried different solutions like doing a system scan in terminal, which did show corrupted files but did not fix the issue. I also tried rolling back graphics drivers and using ShellExView to disable anything that was using the context menu, to no avail.

Answer 1

Hi Kevin Acosta,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

I will provide you workaround and suggestions you may take for more convenient.

There's a workaround that if by any chance your Explorer get crashed, your Desktop will stay.

• On Explorer > click ••• > Options.
• Navigate to View tab.
• Scroll down and check the box Launch folder windows in a separate process.
• OK to apply changes.

Then you may scan your system with these commands on Command Prompt (Run as Administrator):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Or you may skip scanning and perform an In-place Upgrade.

Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Community

If In-place upgrade cannot help, please consider performing a clean install.

Disclaimer: At this point, we have exhausted all troubleshooting and I recommend that we try to perform a clean install to get your computer back into a working condition. Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more. Windows 11 Clean Installation Process

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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Answer 2

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

This issue happens due to the miscalibration of system files, and while waiting for your response, kindly follow the basic steps below:

Method 1. Clear the cache of File Explorer

-Open Run Command ( Press Windows key + R)

-Copy, paste, and enter the file path below:

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Delete everything inside the AutomaticDestinations folder

-Restart the PC and check.

Method 2. Do a clean boot:

A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program.

• In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.
• On the Services tab of System Configuration, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable all.
• On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.
• Under Startup in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then select Disable.
• Close Task Manager.
• On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK. When you restart the computer, it's in a clean boot environment.

Troubleshooting reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd

Answer 3

To address the issue of File Explorer crashing Windows Explorer, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Use the System File Checker (SFC): Since you mentioned that you have already run a system scan that showed corrupted files, ensure you run the SFC tool again using the command SFC /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt. This tool can help repair missing or corrupted system files.
2. Check for File System Errors: Use the Scan disk utility to confirm there are no file system errors. Right-click the drive where Windows is installed, select Properties, go to the Tools tab, and click on Check now to scan for errors.
3. Verify Sufficient Free Space: Ensure that your hard drive has enough free space. It is recommended to have at least 10% to 15% of free space available for optimal performance.
4. Update Windows and Drivers: Make sure that your Windows operating system is up to date with the latest updates and service packs. Additionally, check if there are any updates available for your graphics drivers.
5. Boot into Safe Mode: If the problem persists, try booting into Safe Mode. This mode loads only the minimum required drivers and services, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing the issue. To enter Safe Mode, go to Control Panel > Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, and then select the appropriate option for Safe Mode.
6. Check for Hardware Issues: Ensure that all hardware connections are secure and that there are no issues with your computer's hardware components.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider seeking further assistance or checking for more specific solutions related to your particular setup.

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References:

• Troubleshoot bug checks (stop code errors)