Windows Explorer Keeps Restarting and Crashing (Solved)

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If you’re experiencing frequent restarts and crashes of Windows Explorer on your Windows PC, it can be incredibly frustrating. Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is essential for navigating your files and folders, and any instability can significantly impact your productivity. Fortunately, there are several methods to diagnose and resolve this issue. In this article, we’ll walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to fix Windows Explorer crashes.

How To Fix Windows Explorer Keeps Restarting and Crashing on Windows 10


Understanding the Issue

Windows Explorer may restart or crash due to various reasons, including corrupted system files, problematic extensions, or conflicting software. Identifying the root cause can help in applying the correct fix.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes, a temporary glitch can cause Explorer to crash. Restarting Windows Explorer can quickly resolve minor issues.

  1. Open Task Manager:

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

  2. Locate Windows Explorer:

    • Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of running processes.

  3. Restart Windows Explorer:

    • Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.” This action will refresh Windows Explorer without requiring a system reboot.

2. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can lead to Explorer crashes. Use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Run as administrator.”

  2. Run the SFC Scan:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      bash
      sfc /scannow

    • Wait for the scan to complete. The tool will attempt to fix any detected issues automatically.

3. Check for Malware

Malware infections can disrupt system processes, including Windows Explorer. Perform a full system scan using your antivirus software to rule out malware.

  1. Open Your Antivirus Program:

    • Launch your antivirus software and update it to ensure it has the latest virus definitions.

  2. Perform a Full Scan:

    • Run a full system scan to check for and remove any malicious software.

4. Disable Third-Party Extensions

Third-party extensions or add-ons in File Explorer can cause instability. Disabling these extensions can help identify if they are the source of the problem.

  1. Open File Explorer Options:

    • In File Explorer, go to the “View” tab and click on “Options” to open Folder Options.

  2. Disable Extensions:

    • Go to the “View” tab in the Folder Options window and uncheck “Show preview handlers in preview pane.”

  3. Test for Stability:

    • Restart your computer and see if the crashes persist. If not, you may need to identify and disable specific third-party extensions.

5. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated system updates or drivers can lead to crashes. Ensure that your Windows OS and drivers are up to date.

  1. Check for Windows Updates:

    • Go to “Settings” by pressing Win + I.
    • Navigate to “Update & Security” and click “Check for updates.”

  2. Update Device Drivers:

    • Open Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu.
    • Expand the categories and right-click on each device to select “Update driver.” Follow the prompts to search for and install updates.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping to identify if background software is causing the issue.

  1. Open System Configuration:

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

  2. Configure Clean Boot Settings:

    • In the “System Configuration” window, go to the “Services” tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
    • Click “Disable all” to disable non-Microsoft services.
    • Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
    • In Task Manager, disable all startup items and close Task Manager.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • Click “OK” and restart your computer. Test Windows Explorer to see if the issue persists.

7. Check for Hard Drive Issues

A failing hard drive can cause system instability. Check your hard drive for errors using the Check Disk utility.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”

  2. Run Check Disk Utility:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      chkdsk /f /r

    • You may need to restart your computer for the utility to scan and fix issues.

Conclusion

Windows Explorer restarting and crashing can disrupt your workflow, but following these troubleshooting steps should help resolve the issue. By restarting Explorer, checking system files, scanning for malware, disabling extensions, updating Windows and drivers, performing a clean boot, and checking your hard drive, you can address the root causes of these crashes. If the problem continues despite these efforts, consider seeking professional technical support for further diagnosis and assistance.

 


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