Why is File Explorer Crashing?
In today’s digital age, file explorer has become an indispensable tool for managing and navigating through our computer’s files and folders. However, many users have reported experiencing crashes with their file explorer, causing frustration and hindering productivity. This article aims to explore the possible reasons behind file explorer crashes and provide solutions to help you resolve this issue.
1. Outdated or Corrupted System Files
One of the most common reasons for file explorer crashes is outdated or corrupted system files. These files are crucial for the proper functioning of the operating system, including the file explorer. If any of these files are missing or corrupted, it can lead to crashes. To fix this, you can try running the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them.
2. Conflicting Software
Sometimes, file explorer crashes can be caused by conflicting software. Certain applications may interfere with the file explorer’s operations, leading to crashes. To identify the conflicting software, follow these steps:
1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”
2. Go to the “Processes” tab and look for any applications that may be causing conflicts.
3. End the process and see if the file explorer crash persists. If it does, try updating or uninstalling the conflicting software.
3. Insufficient System Resources
Another possible reason for file explorer crashes is insufficient system resources. If your computer’s hardware is not powerful enough to handle the demands of the file explorer, it may crash. To ensure you have enough resources, consider the following:
1. Check your computer’s RAM and CPU usage. If they are constantly running at high levels, it may be time to upgrade your hardware.
2. Close unnecessary background applications and processes to free up system resources.
3. Perform a disk cleanup to remove unnecessary files and free up disk space.
4. Outdated File Explorer
An outdated file explorer can also cause crashes. To ensure you have the latest version, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Settings.”
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then “Windows Update.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
5. Third-Party File Explorer Extensions
If you have installed third-party file explorer extensions, they may be causing file explorer crashes. Try disabling these extensions one by one to identify the problematic one. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Settings.”
2. Click on “Apps” and then “Manage Optional Features.”
3. Look for file explorer extensions and disable them one by one.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the reasons behind your file explorer crashes. However, if the issue persists, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance from a computer technician.
