Fix: Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing in Windows 11 (2025 Solutions)

The Windows Explorer (also known as File Explorer) is an essential part of Windows 11 that lets you access, manage, and organize files and folders on your computer. However, sometimes you may experience that File Explorer becomes unresponsive or even crashes on your Windows 11 computer. Users report, when try to copy/paste files, or folder explorer stops responding. Another user report, right click any file, whether it be a file on my desktop, or in a folder, Explorer will crash and everything will reload. This issue is usually caused by corrupted system files, disk errors, incompatible software, outdated graphics drivers or recent updates. Here we have listed a few useful tips to fix File Explorer crashes in Windows 11.

What causes Windows Explorer keep crashing?

This issue can occur due to various reasons, including corrupted system files, outdated Graphics drivers, and malware infections. A corrupted user profile or interference from antivirus software can also contribute to the problem.

• Corrupted System Files: Essential Windows files that have become damaged can cause Explorer to crash.
• Driver Problems: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted drivers, particularly graphics drivers, can lead to crashes and display issues.
• Malware or Virus Infection: Malicious software can interfere with system processes, including Windows Explorer.
• Conflicting Shell Extensions: Third-party software often adds “shell extensions” to the right-click context menu, which can become buggy and cause Explorer to crash.
• Corrupted Files and Cache: A large number of accumulated files, especially corrupt picture files, can cause Explorer to stop responding.
• Outdated Operating System: Your computer may not have installed Windows updates long time, it contains bugs that lead to these crashes.

Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager

This is the quickest and most effective first solution that works for temporary glitches without requiring a full system restart.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
• Right-click it and choose Restart.
• Wait a few seconds for the desktop and taskbar to reload.

It refreshes the Explorer.exe process and clears any temporary glitches that cause the interface to freeze or become unresponsive.

Clear File Explorer History and Cache

File Explorer maintains a history of recently opened folders and files for quick access. Over time, this cache can become corrupted, causing File Explorer to freeze or crash unexpectedly.

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
• Type control folders and press Enter to open File Explorer Options
• Under the General tab, locate Clear File Explorer history.
• Click the Clear button next to this option.
• In the “Open File Explorer to” dropdown, change the setting to This PC
• Click OK to save changes.

Now, Press Windows + E to test if File Explorer works properly

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Scans

Corrupted or missing system files are one of the most common reasons File Explorer keeps crashing. Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools scans and replaces corrupted files with cached copies.

• Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• First, run the system file checker command sfc /scannow
• Allow the SFC scan to complete without interruption. Once complete, 100% Run DISM RestoreHealth command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
• Wait for the DISM process to complete (this may take 2-5 minutes), depending on the corruption level.
• Once finished, restart your PC. This process will restore missing or broken system files that may be crashing Explorer.exe.

Update Windows 11

Microsoft regularly releases patches and updates to fix known issues, including File Explorer stability problems. Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve bugs and compatibility issues that cause File Explorer crashes.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings
• Select Windows Update from the left menu
• Click Check for updates
• If updates are available, click Download and install
• Restart your computer after updates are installed

If you notice a recent Windows update introduced a bug that affects file explorer performance, go to Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates. Select the most recent update, click Uninstall and restart your PC.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and drivers. This helps identify whether a third-party startup program is causing File Explorer to crash.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.

• Open the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup programs and restart your PC.

If the crashes stop, re-enable services and startup programs one by one to find the culprit.

Scan for Malware or Viruses

Malware infections can modify system files, hijack Explorer.exe, or run malicious background processes that cause crashes. Running a deep scan with Windows Security or a trusted antivirus program can remove such threats.

• Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
• Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
• Select Full Scan and click Scan now.
• Let it complete and remove any detected threats.

After cleaning your system, restart your PC to ensure normal operation.

Update Graphics Card Drivers

Updating GPU drivers resolves crashes caused by outdated or corrupted graphics drivers since File Explorer relies on graphical elements for display.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
• Expand Display adapters
• Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver
• Choose Search automatically for drivers
• Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation
• Restart your computer

Alternative: Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers compatible with Windows 11.

Clear Windows Thumbnail and Icon Cache

Windows stores thumbnails and icon previews in cache files to load them faster. If this cache becomes corrupted, it may cause Explorer.exe to crash when opening folders with many media or image files.

• Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer and press Enter
• Delete all files starting with thumbcache and iconcache.
• Restart your PC or open Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer.

This will rebuild the cache and often fix thumbnail-related Explorer crashes.

Disable Third-Party Context Menu Extensions

Third-party software (like compression tools, media players, or antivirus programs) often add custom entries to the right-click (context) menu. If any of these extensions are faulty, they can cause File Explorer to crash when you right-click files or folders.

You can use a tool called ShellExView to identify and disable problematic extensions.

• Download ShellExView from the official NirSoft website.
• Launch it and let it load all shell extensions.
• Click on Options > Hide All Microsoft Extensions to show only third-party ones.
• Select suspicious or recently added extensions, right-click, and choose Disable Selected Items.
• Restart your computer and test File Explorer.

If the crashes stop, re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.

FAQ – Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing

1. Why does Windows Explorer keep crashing repeatedly?
It often happens due to corrupted system files, faulty context menu extensions, or damaged thumbnail cache.

2. Can outdated updates cause File Explorer to crash?
Yes, certain Windows updates can introduce bugs. Uninstalling or updating them can fix the issue.

3. Is it safe to restart Explorer.exe from Task Manager?
Absolutely. Restarting the Explorer process is a safe and common way to refresh your desktop and fix temporary glitches.

4. Will resetting my PC delete my files?
If you choose the “Keep my files” option, Windows will reinstall system components while keeping your personal data intact.