Fixing Windows 11 File Explorer Crashes: Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

Windows 11 File Explorer usually provides smooth navigation through files and folders. However, File Explorer occasionally crashes or freezes, causing inconvenience. If you encounter File Explorer issues such as unexpected crashes, restarts, freezes, or hangs, try the following detailed steps to fix these issues.

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Table of Contents

1. Initial Checks & Quick Restarts
2. Installing Windows Updates
3. Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager
4. Clear File Explorer Caches & File History
5. Reset Folder Options & Settings
6. Check for Corrupted System Files
7. Update or Rollback Graphics Drivers
8. Scan for Malware and Viruses
9. Disable or Uninstall Recently Installed Apps or Software
10. Using Clean Boot to Identify Problematic Applications
11. Checking for Faulty Shell Extensions
12. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
13. Disable Thumbnails and Preview Pane
14. Reset or Reinstall Windows 11 (Last Resort)
15. Contact Microsoft Support

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1. Initial Checks & Quick Restarts

Before diving deeper, ensure you’ve performed basic actions:

• Restart your PC:

  • Click Start > Power > Restart. Sometimes rebooting solves transient issues immediately.

• Verify sufficient free disk space:

  • Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  • Check your main drive (commonly C:).
  • Delete unnecessary files and folders to free up space.

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2. Installing Windows Updates

Windows Updates address bugs, stability issues, and system vulnerabilities.

• Install available updates:

  • Open Settings (Win + I).
  • Select Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates.
  • Allow Windows to install and restart as required.

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3. Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager

If File Explorer has frozen or isn’t responding, restart Windows Explorer process:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Under the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer.
• Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.

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4. Clear File Explorer Caches & File History

Corrupted caches often lead to crashes or hangs.

• Press Win + R, type:

control.exe folders

• Click OK to open Folder Options.
• Go to the General Tab, under Privacy, press the Clear button.
• Click Apply, then OK.

Next:

• Open Run dialog box (Win + R), type:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

• Press Enter.
• Delete all files within the folder.
• Restart your computer.

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5. Reset Folder Options & Settings

Faulty folder preview settings may cause File Explorer crashes.

• Open Control Panel > Select File Explorer Options.
• Go to the View tab, click Reset Folders.
• Click Yes on the confirmation prompt.
• Click Apply, then OK.

Restart your PC afterwards.

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6. Check for Corrupted System Files

Use built-in tools to scan and repair corrupted system files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Right-click Start > Terminal (Admin) or Elevated Command Prompt.

• Type and run each command separately:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

Allow DISM to complete (takes 10–20 mins). Then type:

sfc /scannow

• Reboot your PC after completion to apply changes.

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7. Update or Rollback Graphics Drivers

Outdated or problematic graphics drivers often cause File Explorer crashes.

• Update graphics driver:

  • Press Win + X and click Device Manager.
  • Expand Display Adapters → Right-click your GPU → Update driver.

• Or visit your graphics card manufacturer (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA) website for latest drivers.

• If the issue began recently after GPU updates, roll back:

  • Device Manager → Right-click GPU → Properties → Driver Tab → Click Roll Back Driver if available.

Restart after driver changes.

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8. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware impacts system stability.

• Use the built-in Windows Security:

  • Open Windows Security (search Start).
  • Click Virus & threat protection.
  • Run a Quick scan or Full scan.

• After completing the scan, remove malware or viruses detected.

Alternatively, use reputable third-party antivirus software like Malwarebytes.

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9. Disable or Uninstall Recently Installed Apps or Software

An incompatible or misbehaving app can cause File Explorer problems.

• To uninstall apps:

  • Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
  • Sort by Install date and uninstall recently added problematic apps.

Restart after uninstalling.

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10. Using Clean Boot to Identify Problematic Applications

Performing a clean boot will run Windows with minimal apps/services, helping pinpoint incompatible software.

• Press Win + R, type:

msconfig

• Press Enter, opening System Configuration.
• Switch to Services tab → Check "Hide all Microsoft services" → Disable all → Click OK.
• Switch to Startup tab, open Task Manager, disable all startup items.
• Restart PC. Test File Explorer stability.
• Gradually enable apps until identifying the problematic one.
• Uninstall or permanently disable that app.

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11. Checking for Faulty Shell Extensions

Some third-party shell extensions cause File Explorer crashes.

• Download and install third-party tool (ShellExView from Nirsoft).

  • After installation, launch ShellExView.
  • Disable non-Microsoft shell extensions one by one.
  • Restart the PC, checking File Explorer’s stability each time to identify problematic extensions.

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12. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Insufficient virtual memory leads to unstable File Explorer performance.

• Press Win + R, type:

sysdm.cpl

• Navigate to Advanced → Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory → Change.
• Select Automatically manage paging file size or set custom size (Expert users).
• Click Set → OK.
• Restart your PC.

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13. Disable Thumbnails and Preview Pane

Thumbnail creation and preview can cause instability. Temporarily disable them for troubleshooting.

• Open File Explorer → click View → Show → Preview pane to switch it off.
• Go: File Explorer Options → View tab → Check "Always show icons, never thumbnails", click apply.

Restart to confirm.

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14. Reset or Reinstall Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If nothing above solved the issues, a Windows reset is necessary:

• Open Settings → System → Recovery.
• Under "Reset this PC", click Reset PC.
• Choose to Keep my files or Remove everything.
• Follow prompts and wait until finished (can take 20–60 mins).

Computer reset should be your final solution.

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15. Contact Microsoft Support

Still struggling post-reset or reinstallation? Contact Microsoft Support for assistance from Microsoft’s technicians:

• Windows 11 Support

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Prevention Tips:

• Keep Windows and all drivers updated.
• Avoid installing software from unknown sources.
• Regularly check and scan PC for malware.
• Perform routine system maintenance using system built-in maintenance tools.

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🟢 This detailed troubleshooting guide helps stabilize File Explorer in Windows 11. If issues persist despite following all these steps, consult with an IT Professional or Microsoft for advanced technical assistance.