Have you ever tried transferring a large file from one folder to another, only to have Windows File Explorer suddenly freeze, stop responding, or close unexpectedly?
The problem often occurs when Explorer.exe, the process responsible for managing Windows File Explorer, encounters an error during a file transfer. Sometimes, the transfer itself is responsible. In other cases, corrupted system files, outdated storage drivers, damaged external drives, thumbnail generation, or third-party shell extensions can cause Explorer to crash.
In this guide, we will walk through practical solutions to fix Explorer.exe crashes during large file transfers.
Fix Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing During Large File Transfers in Windows 11/10
To fix Windows Explorer crashes during large file transfers, try these solutions:
- Restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager.
- Clear File Explorer history and disable unnecessary preview features.
- Disable thumbnail previews for files and folders.
- Run System File Checker and DISM scans to repair corrupted Windows files.
- Check your storage drive for file system errors.
- Update storage, USB, and chipset drivers.
- Disable problematic third-party shell extensions.
- Perform a clean boot to identify software conflicts.
- Check Windows Event Viewer for Explorer.exe crash details.
1: Restart Windows Explorer Using Task Manager
Sometimes, Windows Explorer crashes because its process becomes unresponsive while handling a large file transfer. Restarting the process can resolve temporary glitches without requiring a complete computer restart.
To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If you see the simplified interface, select More details to access the full list of running processes.
Under the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer. Right-click it and select Restart. Your desktop, taskbar, and File Explorer windows may disappear briefly before returning.
Follow this navigation path: Task Manager > Processes > Windows Explorer > Restart.
Once Explorer restarts, wait a few seconds and try transferring the file again. If the problem returns whenever you move a large file, continue with the next troubleshooting method.
You can also restart your computer if Task Manager itself becomes unresponsive. However, remember to save your work before doing so.
Step 2: Clear File Explorer History and Temporary Data
File Explorer maintains information about recently accessed files, folders, and searches. If its history or cached information becomes corrupted, it may contribute to unexpected behavior.
To clear File Explorer history, press Windows + S, search for File Explorer Options, and open the result. Under the General tab, find the Privacy section.
Click the Clear button to remove File Explorer history. You can also review the options for showing recently used files and frequently used folders in Quick Access.
The navigation path is Start > File Explorer Options > General > Privacy > Clear.
After clearing the history, select Apply and OK. Restart File Explorer and attempt another file transfer.
This method is particularly useful if Explorer freezes when opening certain folders or displaying recently accessed locations. Keep in mind that clearing history does not delete your personal documents or downloaded files.
Step 3: Disable Thumbnail Previews and the Preview Pane
One possible reason Explorer.exe crashes during large file transfers is that Windows tries to generate thumbnails while displaying files in a folder. This can consume additional system resources, particularly when working with folders containing large videos, images, or thousands of files.
You can reduce this workload by disabling thumbnail previews.
Open File Explorer and select the three-dot menu in Windows 11. In Windows 10, open the View tab and select Options. Choose the View tab in the Folder Options window and enable Always show icons, never thumbnails.
Follow this path: File Explorer > Options > View > Always show icons, never thumbnails.
Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
You should also consider disabling the Preview pane. Open File Explorer, select View, and turn off the Preview pane. In Windows 11, you may find this option under View > Show > Preview pane.
These changes prevent Explorer from repeatedly generating previews while you browse folders. Try transferring the same large file again to see whether stability improves.
Step 4: Run SFC and DISM to Repair Corrupted System Files
Damaged or missing Windows system files can cause File Explorer to behave unexpectedly. Windows provides two command-line utilities, System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), to identify and repair certain system file problems.
First, press Windows + S, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. When the User Account Control prompt appears, select Yes.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Allow the scan to complete. It will check protected Windows system files and attempt to repair detected corruption.
Next, run the DISM command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the operation finishes. It may take some time, depending on your system and the condition of the Windows image.
The complete navigation path is Start > Command Prompt > Run as administrator > SFC scan > DISM scan.
Restart your computer after both operations finish. Then, test File Explorer with another large file transfer.
If SFC reports that it could not repair some files, review the DISM result and run SFC again after the repair operation.
Step 5: Check Your Storage Drive for Errors
Your storage drive could also be responsible for Explorer crashes during large file transfers. Damaged file system structures, bad sectors, or connection problems may interrupt file operations and cause applications to become unresponsive.
To check your drive, open File Explorer, select This PC, and right-click the drive where you are transferring files. Choose Properties and open the Tools tab.
Under Error checking, select Check.
Follow this navigation path: File Explorer > This PC > Right-click drive > Properties > Tools > Error checking.
Follow the instructions if Windows identifies any problems.
You can also use the CHKDSK command for a more detailed file system check. Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:
chkdsk C: /scan
Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if your files are stored on another partition.
If you suspect an external drive, check its USB cable, connection port, and power supply. Avoid disconnecting external storage while a transfer is in progress. If the drive shows signs of failure, back up important files before attempting extensive repairs.
Step 6: Update Storage and USB Drivers
Outdated or problematic drivers can interfere with communication between Windows, storage devices, and USB controllers. This is particularly relevant if Explorer crashes while transferring files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or SSD.
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Expand the Disk drives section and locate your storage device.
Right-click the device and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers if you want Windows to check for available updates.
You should also review the Universal Serial Bus controllers and Storage controllers sections.
The navigation path is Start > Device Manager > Disk drives > Right-click device > Update driver.
For additional updates, visit your computer manufacturer’s official support website and check for the latest chipset, storage controller, and USB drivers.
Avoid downloading drivers from unfamiliar third-party websites. Installing an incompatible driver can create additional problems instead of fixing the existing issue.
Step 7: Disable Third-Party Shell Extensions
Third-party applications sometimes add options to the File Explorer right-click menu. These additions are known as shell extensions.
Applications such as file compression utilities, cloud storage services, antivirus programs, and media tools may install these extensions. If one becomes unstable, it can cause Explorer.exe to crash when handling particular files.
To investigate this possibility, use a reputable utility such as ShellExView to identify non-Microsoft shell extensions.
Download it from its official publisher, run it with appropriate permissions, and review the non-Microsoft entries. Disable suspicious or recently installed extensions one at a time, then restart Windows Explorer and test the transfer.
The general process is ShellExView > Non-Microsoft extensions > Disable selected extension > Restart Explorer.
Do not disable every extension at once. Some are necessary for applications you regularly use. If disabling one extension resolves the issue, you can investigate the associated application and update or uninstall it.
Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot
If none of the previous solutions works, a third-party background application may be interfering with File Explorer.
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of essential services and startup applications. This helps you identify whether another program is responsible for the crashes.
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter. Open the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. Next, select Disable all.
Open the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager. Disable unnecessary startup applications, then close Task Manager and select OK in System Configuration.
Follow this path: Windows + R > msconfig > Services > Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all.
Restart your computer and test a large file transfer.
If Explorer works normally, one of the disabled services or startup applications may be responsible. Re-enable them gradually to identify the problematic program.
After troubleshooting, restore your normal startup configuration.
Step 9: Check Event Viewer for Explorer.exe Crash Details
If Explorer continues crashing, check Windows logs to identify the application or module associated with the failure.
Press Windows + S, search for Event Viewer, and open it. Expand Windows Logs and select Application.
Look for an Error entry recorded around the time Explorer.exe crashed. Pay attention to entries mentioning explorer.exe, Application Error, or Windows Error Reporting.
The navigation path is Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application > Error.
Open a relevant entry and review its details. The Faulting application name, Faulting module name, and exception code can provide useful troubleshooting clues.
For example, if the faulting module belongs to a third-party application, that application may be interfering with Explorer. If the module is a Windows component, further system diagnostics may be necessary.
You can use these details to narrow down the cause instead of trying random fixes.
FAQs
1. Why does Explorer.exe crash when transferring large files?
Explorer.exe may crash because of corrupted system files, storage drive errors, outdated drivers, problematic shell extensions, or resource-intensive thumbnail generation. Hardware problems and unstable external drive connections can also contribute.
2. How do I restart Explorer.exe without restarting my PC?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find Windows Explorer under Processes, right-click it, and select Restart. Your taskbar and desktop will reload automatically.
3. Can large files crash Windows File Explorer?
Yes. Large file operations can expose problems involving storage devices, file systems, drivers, and Explorer extensions. However, large file size alone does not normally mean Explorer should crash.
4. Will running SFC delete my personal files?
No. The sfc /scannow command checks and repairs protected Windows system files. It is not designed to delete your personal documents, photos, or other saved files.
5. Why does File Explorer crash when copying files to a USB drive?
This can happen because of a damaged USB drive, faulty cable, outdated USB controller driver, file system errors, or insufficient power. Try another USB port and cable, and check the drive for errors.
6. Does disabling thumbnails fix Explorer crashes?
It can help if thumbnail generation is contributing to the problem, especially in folders containing many large images or videos. However, it will not fix unrelated storage or hardware problems.
7. How can I find the reason behind an Explorer.exe crash?
Open Event Viewer and navigate to Windows Logs > Application. Review error entries recorded around the time of the crash. The faulting module and exception code may help identify the underlying problem.
Final Words
Explorer.exe crashes during large file transfers can be frustrating, but you can often resolve the problem without reinstalling Windows. Start with simple troubleshooting methods, such as restarting File Explorer, clearing its history, and disabling thumbnail previews.
If the problem continues, run SFC and DISM scans, check your storage drive, and update the relevant drivers. You can also investigate third-party shell extensions and perform a clean boot to identify software conflicts.
Most importantly, pay attention to when the crash occurs and whether it affects a particular drive, file type, or application. These details can help you identify the actual cause rather than repeatedly applying unrelated fixes.
With the right troubleshooting approach, you can restore File Explorer stability and transfer large files on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC more reliably.