Windows Explorer is a vital element of your system. The accessibility of your files and folders will be affected if your Windows explorer often crashes. It will be a severe issue that necessitates urgent treatment if Explorer keeps crashing repeatedly. Windows Explorer, popularly known as “File Explorer,” is frequently listed among the most widely used computer programs for Windows. The rebooting of Windows Explorer or even a failure to respond from File Explorer are obvious risks. Hence, in this article, you will explore some strategies to resolve the “windows explorer keeps crashing” issue. Just keep reading.

Causes Of “File Explorer Keeps Crashing”windows explorer keeps crashing

The most common complications of unexpected store exception errors in Windows 10 are program or application issues, such as inappropriate third-party software, or hardware issues, such as a malfunctioning registry or graphics card. The common File Explorer crashes that are outlined are a sign that the system is having issues when you experience one or several of them. One of the several File Explorer usual breakdowns could be triggered by hidden problems with the computer or Windows system, such as – 

  • Defective system files.
  • Inadequate operating system.
  • Attack with malware or a virus.
  • Malfunctioning software.
  • Issues with permission.
  • Autoplay blunders.

Symptoms Of “Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing”

Well, many users claim that if Windows Explorer collapses, they experience a wide range of symptoms.

  • File Explorer in Windows 10 is unresponsive.
  • Constant freezing of Windows Explorer.
  • File Explorer in Windows 10 stops functioning.
  • Right-clicking on a file causes Windows Explorer to crash.
  • Users cannoit access Windows Explorer.
  • Windows Explorer repeatedly shuts off.

How To Resolve “Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing”?

Here, we have mentioned some very simple and very useful methods to fix “windows 10 file explorer crashing” or “windows 10 apps crash on launch”. Keep reading the article and follow the below-mentioned methods properly.

Method 1: Search for Fresh Windows UpdatesSearch for Fresh Windows Updates

You can miss out on a remedy for the Windows Explorer crash issue if you’ve not installed any Windows Updates lately. So it’s crucial to keep a lookout for fresh Windows Updates. New features, security patches, and updates to the Windows Security virus library are included in the most recent versions, which might also aim to minimize occasional crashes of Windows Explorer.

  • First, to open the run line command, press “Windows” and “R” on your keyboard. Type “control update” into the run line command box and hit Enter.
  • Now, the Windows Update box will open, and you should click “Check for Updates.” You should receive a notice stating that you are up to date if there are no updates available.
  • Then, allow the installation of any new updates discovered by the Windows Update Tool and wait for them to complete. The installation process could need a computer restart.
  • Next, view the File Explorer window after restarting your computer to determine whether the issue has been corrected after installing fresh Windows updates.

Note: Windows update can fix many other errors including IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, BSOD error, etc.

Method 2: File Explorer’s History Can be ErasedMethod 2: File Explorer's History Can be Erased

The exact mechanism by which File Explorer crashes is unknown. But many users have reported that clearing File Explorer’s history has made a difference in their crashy file manager. Follow the steps below to apply this method –

  • First, click the Start button, then click the Windows key and type “File Explorer Options” into the search box.
  • Next, to conclude emptying File Explorer, click “Ok” on the General tab’s “Privacy” page after selecting “Clear.”

Method 3: Make Modifications to the Graphics Card DriverMethod 3: Make Modifications to the Graphics Card Driver

One should update or reload the graphics card driver because outdated drivers could be the reason for the error that prevents Windows 10 Explorer from working. There are some steps to replace the graphics card driver  –

  • First, choose Device Manager by pressing Win + X simultaneously.
  • Secondly, in the newly opened window, expand Display Adapters, then select Uninstall Device by right-clicking on your graphics card.
  • Now, verify Click Uninstall after removing the device’s driver program. The system will automatically replace your graphics card once you restart your computer.
  • Visit the website of your graphics processor manufacturer to acquire the most current driver for your system if Windows doesn’t automatically reinstall the graphics card driver.
  • Re-open Device Manager, click Action in the top menu, and choose Scan for Hardware Changes.

Now, check if Windows 10 Explorer collapses again or not after restarting your computer.

Method 4: Start Executing Netsh Winsock ResetStart Executing Netsh Winsock Reset

The problem “windows 10 apps crash on launch” can be fixed by executing Netsh Winsock Reset. To achieve it, take the following steps properly –

  • First, start by running Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Now, enter the command Netsh Winsock Reset into the window.
  • Then, restart your computer and see if Windows 10 Explorer malfunctions again.

Method 5: Turn off ThumbnailsTurn off Thumbnails

When there are several photographs in a folder, thumbnails might be the reason why “windows explorer keeps crashing”. In order to resolve the problem that file explorer keeps crashing, removing thumbnails might be a useful method. Follow the steps below to apply this method properly –

  • First, enter “Control Panel” in the search field and then select it.
  • Secondly, select File Explorer Options after changing the View by setting to Large Icons.
  • Lastly, select the View tab and then select Never display thumbnails, always show icons. In order to save changes, click Apply and OK.

Therefore, You should disable your thumbnails, which might avoid Windows 10 Explorer from malfunctioning.

Method 6: Get Rid of Stuff from the Quick Access MenuGet Rid of Stuff from the Quick Access Menu

You have the option of using the Quick access menu in Windows Explorer to rapidly access certain files or directories on your computer. Given that the utility portion is affected, rapid access problems might be the reason why Explorer continues crashing. To accomplish this, adhere to the steps mentioned below –

  • Firstly, select “File Explorer Options” from the menu. Then, navigate to the “Privacy” area.
  • Secondly, uncheck “Show recently used files in Quick Access” and “Show commonly used folders in Quick Access.”
  • Lastly, select “Apply” and then click “Ok.”

Method 7: Disable Third-Party ExtensionsDisable Third-Party Extensions

The installation of third-party applications on your system may result in the addition of integration features to the explorer. Additionally, damaging integrations may cause Explorer to eventually crash. With the instructions below, you may disable extensions using a free application –

  • First, Install “ShellExView” on the system. Then, click the “Options” bar up there on the top.
  • Secondly, select “Hide All Microsoft Extensions.”
  • Thirdly, to pick extensions, use “Ctrl + A.” Then, right-click on any extension you’ve chosen.
  • Now, press the “Disabled selected items” button.
  • Lastly, turn off each and every extension.
Read more: CAN I UPGRADE MY MOTHERBOARD AND CPU WITHOUT REINSTALLING WINDOWS 10? QUICK GUIDE 2023

Closing Lines

In conclusion, try the options listed above if you’re looking for any workable methods for the “windows explorer keeps crashing” issue. Additionally, frequent system backups might assist you in protecting your contents and system.

Leave a comment below if you have any more suggestions for resolving the “windows 10 apps crash on launch” issue or if you still require assistance in understanding the solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: How do I fix Windows Explorer from crashing?

Ans: To fix Windows Explorer from crashing, follow the steps –

  • Activate System File Checker.
  • Update Windows and turn off any third-party explorer extensions.
  • Check for malware on your computer.
  • Examine the Windows error logs.
  • Clear Windows Explorer history.
  • Individual File Explorer Processes.

Q2: Why does my Internet Explorer keep crashing in OS Windows 10?

Ans: Internet Explorer keeps crashing in OS Windows 10 due to – Toolbars, add-ons, & Browser Helper Objects.

Q3: Why does Windows 10 keep closing File Explorer?

Ans: There is a probability that your computer is infected with a virus if Windows 10 continually closes File Explorer. It is dangerous to use a corrupted machine, which may also be the reason for the problems. Windows will restart after that and start looking for viruses on the system.