How to Fix "Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working" Error in Windows 10

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"Windows Explorer has stopped working" is a common error that can occur on Windows 10, causing the File Explorer to crash or become unresponsive. This error disrupts your workflow, making it difficult to manage files, folders, and navigate your system. Various factors, such as corrupted system files, problematic third-party software, or issues with display drivers, can trigger this error. Fortunately, several solutions can help you resolve this issue and restore normal functionality to Windows Explorer.
windows explorer has stopped working
 

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer can provide a quick fix for temporary glitches.

  1. Open Task Manager:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Locate Windows Explorer:

    • In the Processes tab, find "Windows Explorer."

  3. Restart the Process:

    • Right-click on "Windows Explorer" and select "Restart."

After restarting, check if the issue persists.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause Windows Explorer to crash. The SFC and DISM tools can repair these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

  2. Run SFC Scan:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      sfc /scannow
    • Allow the scan to complete, then restart your computer.

  3. Run DISM Tool:

    • If the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the issue, run the DISM tool by typing:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • After the scan completes, restart your computer and check if Windows Explorer is functioning correctly.

3. Check for Problematic Third-Party Software

Certain third-party software, such as antivirus programs or system optimizers, can interfere with Windows Explorer.

  1. Boot into Safe Mode:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to "Update & Security," select "Recovery," and click "Restart now" under Advanced startup. Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings," then click "Restart." After restarting, press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

  2. Uninstall Problematic Software:

    • While in Safe Mode, go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features" and uninstall any recently installed software that might be causing the issue.

  3. Restart in Normal Mode:

    • Restart your computer normally and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Update or Roll Back Display Drivers

Outdated or incompatible display drivers can cause Windows Explorer to crash.

  1. Update Display Drivers:

    • Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."
    • Expand "Display adapters," right-click your display driver, and select "Update driver."
    • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the prompts.

  2. Roll Back Drivers:

    • If the issue started after a driver update, right-click the display driver in Device Manager and select "Properties."
    • Go to the "Driver" tab and click "Roll Back Driver" if the option is available.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • After updating or rolling back the drivers, restart your computer and check if Windows Explorer works properly.

5. Clear File Explorer History

Corrupted or overloaded File Explorer history can cause crashes. Clearing the history may resolve the issue.

  1. Open File Explorer Options:

    • Press Windows + S, type "File Explorer Options," and select it from the search results.

  2. Clear History:

    • In the General tab, under "Privacy," click "Clear" to clear File Explorer history.

  3. Apply and Restart:

    • Click "OK" to apply the changes and restart your computer.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if a startup program or service is causing the issue.

  1. Open System Configuration:

    • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

  2. Disable Startup Programs:

    • In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and then click "Disable all."
    • Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." Disable all startup items.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • Click "OK" in System Configuration and restart your computer. If the issue is resolved, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve known issues with Windows Explorer.

  1. Open Windows Update:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to "Update & Security," and click "Check for updates."

  2. Install Updates:

    • If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

  3. Verify Issue Resolution:

    • After updating, check if Windows Explorer functions correctly.

8. Use System Restore

If the issue started recently, a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state where Windows Explorer was working fine.

  1. Open System Restore:

    • Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.

  2. Choose a Restore Point:

    • Follow the prompts to select a restore point dated before the issue began.

  3. Complete the Restoration:

    • After the process completes, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

The "Windows Explorer has stopped working" error can be disruptive, but it’s often fixable with the right approach. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively. Regular maintenance, keeping drivers updated, and being cautious with third-party software can help prevent this error from recurring in the future.