File Explorer is a crucial part of your Windows 11 experience, helping you navigate files and folders effortlessly. But if File Explorer keeps crashing, it can disrupt your productivity and cause frustration. Don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy, step-by-step fixes to stop File Explorer from crashing on Windows 11—helping you get back to smooth sailing quickly.
Why Does File Explorer Keep Crashing on Windows 11?
Several reasons can cause File Explorer to crash, including:
- Corrupted system files
- Conflicting third-party apps or shell extensions
- Outdated or buggy Windows updates
- Cache issues within File Explorer
- Problems with Quick Access or certain folders
Understanding these causes helps you apply the right fix.
Quick Fixes to Stop Windows 11 File Explorer from Crashing
1. Restart File Explorer via Task Manager
Sometimes, a simple restart of File Explorer process clears temporary glitches:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Scroll down to find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
Check if File Explorer is working normally now.
2. Clear File Explorer History and Cache
File Explorer stores history and thumbnails that can get corrupted:
- Open Control Panel and go to File Explorer Options (you can search it in the Start menu).
- Under the General tab, click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
- Switch to the View tab and ensure Show hidden files, folders, and drives is checked (optional for troubleshooting).
- Click OK.
This often helps by removing problematic temporary data.
3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files cause many crashes. Here’s how to repair them:
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Press Windows + S and type cmd.
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Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
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Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
sfc /scannow
After SFC completes:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
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Restart your PC after both processes finish.
4. Disable Third-Party Shell Extensions
Shell extensions add new options to File Explorer context menus—sometimes they cause crashes.
- Download and run ShellExView (a free utility from NirSoft).
- Sort by Type and focus on Context Menu extensions.
- Disable non-Microsoft extensions by right-clicking and choosing Disable Selected Items.
- Restart your PC and test File Explorer stability.
Enable disabled extensions one by one later to identify the culprit.
5. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version
Microsoft regularly releases fixes for bugs affecting File Explorer:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart PC afterward.
6. Reset File Explorer Settings
Resetting File Explorer preferences can clear corrupted customizations:
- Open File Explorer Options from Control Panel.
- Under the General tab, click Restore Defaults.
- Switch to the View tab and click Restore Defaults again.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
7. Create a New User Profile
If File Explorer crashes only occur on your current user account, it may be corrupted.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Add a new user (local or Microsoft account).
- Log in with that new account and test File Explorer.
If crashes stop, migrate important files to the new profile.
Final Thoughts
File Explorer crashing on Windows 11 can feel frustrating, but with a little patience and these practical fixes, you can resolve most issues quickly. Start with the easier steps like restarting Explorer and clearing cache, then try more advanced fixes if needed.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or bookmark it for future troubleshooting. Have any questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below—I’m always happy to help!
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Stay calm, and happy exploring with File Explorer!
