How to Fix Windows 11 File Explorer Crashing
If you’re experiencing frequent crashes with the Windows 11 File Explorer, you’re not alone. This issue can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task. In this article, we will guide you through various methods to fix the Windows 11 File Explorer crashing problem and get it running smoothly again.
1. Run the File Explorer Troubleshooter
The first step in resolving the File Explorer crashing issue is to run the built-in Windows troubleshooter. This tool can automatically identify and fix common problems with your system.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then “Troubleshoot.”
3. Scroll down and find “File Explorer” under “System and Security.”
4. Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can often cause File Explorer to crash. Updating your drivers to the latest version can help resolve this issue.
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the categories to locate your drivers.
3. Right-click on each driver and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.
3. Reset File Explorer
Resetting File Explorer can help fix crashes and restore its default settings.
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “explorer.exe /reset” and press Enter.
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
4. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files.
1. Press Windows key + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any issues are found, SFC will automatically repair them.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall File Explorer
If none of the above methods work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling File Explorer.
1. Press Windows key + R, type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter.
2. In the Programs and Features window, scroll down and find “Windows Explorer.”
3. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Uninstall.”
4. Restart your computer and let Windows automatically reinstall File Explorer.
6. Clean Boot Your Computer
A clean boot helps determine whether a third-party application is causing the File Explorer crashing issue.
1. Press Windows key + R, type “msconfig” and press Enter.
2. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
3. Click on “Disable all” and then go to the “Startup” tab.
4. Click on “Open Task Manager.”
5. Disable all startup items by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
6. Restart your computer and check if File Explorer is still crashing.
Conclusion
We hope these methods have helped you fix the Windows 11 File Explorer crashing issue. If you’re still experiencing problems, it may be best to seek professional assistance. Remember to always keep your system updated and regularly perform maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance.
