File Explorer crashes can be quite disruptive, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

Common Causes and Solutions

1. Corrupted System Files:

  • Cause: Corrupted system files can cause File Explorer to crash.

  • Solution: Run the System File Checker tool by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and running:
    sh

    sfc /scannow

2. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers:

  • Cause: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause File Explorer to crash.

  • Solution: Update your graphics driver by going to Device Manager, finding your graphics card under Display adapters, right-clicking it, and selecting Update driver.

3. Third-Party Shell Extensions:

  • Cause: Third-party shell extensions can cause File Explorer to crash.

  • Solution: Use a tool like ShellExView to disable third-party shell extensions and identify the culprit.

4. Clear File Explorer History:

  • Cause: Accumulated files in File Explorer's history can cause crashes.

  • Solution: Clear File Explorer history by going to Control Panel > Folder Options > General and clicking Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.

5. Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process:

  • Cause: Launching folder windows in the same process can cause crashes.

  • Solution: Go to Control Panel > Folder Options > View and check Launch folder windows in a separate process.

6. Disable Thumbnails:

  • Cause: Displaying thumbnails can cause File Explorer to crash.

  • Solution: Go to Control Panel > Folder Options > View and select Always show icons, never thumbnails.

7. Check for Software Conflicts:

  • Cause: Conflicting software can cause File Explorer to crash.

  • Solution: Boot into Safe Mode and check for any recently installed software that might be causing the issue.

8. Reset File Explorer:

  • Cause: Resetting File Explorer can resolve persistent issues.

  • Solution: Open PowerShell as an administrator and run:
    sh

    dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:SearchEngine-Client-Package
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:SearchEngine-Client-Package

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most issues with File Explorer crashes

  • No labels