Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is one of the most important components of the Windows operating system. It allows users to access files, folders, drives, and connected devices through a graphical interface. When Windows Explorer repeatedly crashes and restarts, it can disrupt everyday tasks, make file management difficult, and significantly reduce productivity.
This issue can occur due to corrupted system files, faulty updates, problematic third-party applications, damaged user profiles, outdated drivers, or insufficient system resources. Fortunately, most causes can be identified and resolved using built-in Windows troubleshooting tools and a few simple repair methods.
This guide explains the most effective solutions to fix the “Windows Explorer keeps crashing and restarting” issue in Windows.
Fix “Windows/File Explorer Keeps Crashing and Restarting” Issue
Quick Steps to Fix Windows Explorer Crashing:
- Restart the Windows Explorer process from Task Manager.
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan.
- Use the DISM tool to repair Windows image files.
- Clear File Explorer history and cache.
- Disable problematic startup applications.
- Update Windows and device drivers.
- Check for corrupted hard drive sectors.
- Create a new Windows user account.
- Perform a clean boot to identify software conflicts.
- Reset or repair Windows if the issue persists.
Windows Explorer crashes often occur because of corrupted system files, software conflicts, damaged cache files, or outdated drivers. Following these troubleshooting methods in order can help restore File Explorer stability and prevent recurring crashes.
Step 1: Restart the Windows Explorer Process
The first and simplest solution is to restart the Windows Explorer process. Sometimes temporary glitches cause Explorer to stop responding or restart repeatedly.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager. If Task Manager opens in compact mode, select More Details to view all running processes.
Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab. Click on it once to highlight it, then select Restart from the lower right corner of the window.
The taskbar, desktop icons, and File Explorer windows may briefly disappear and reappear. This is normal because Windows Explorer is being restarted.
After the process restarts, check whether File Explorer continues crashing. If the problem returns, proceed to the next solution.
Step 2: Run the System File Checker Scan
Corrupted or missing system files are one of the most common causes of Windows Explorer crashes. The built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool can automatically detect and repair damaged files.
Type Command Prompt into the Windows search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the command window, type the following command: sfc /scannow
Press Enter and allow the scan to complete. Depending on your computer’s speed, the process may take several minutes.
Once finished, restart your computer. The tool will automatically replace corrupted system files with healthy versions when possible. After rebooting, open File Explorer and verify whether the issue has been resolved.
Step 3: Repair Windows Image Files Using DISM
If the SFC scan cannot repair all damaged files, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help restore the Windows system image.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator again.
Enter the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter and wait for the process to finish. The scan may appear stuck at certain percentages, but this is normal.
DISM downloads healthy files from Windows Update and repairs the underlying Windows image used by your system. Once complete, restart your computer and test File Explorer again.
Using both SFC and DISM together often resolves persistent Explorer crashes caused by file corruption.
Step 4: Clear File Explorer History and Cache
File Explorer stores recent files, folders, and search data to improve performance. Over time, these cache files can become corrupted and cause instability.
Open File Explorer and click the three-dot menu at the top. Select Options.
Under the General tab, locate the Privacy section. Click the Clear button to remove File Explorer history.
You can also uncheck options that display recently used files and frequently used folders if you suspect corrupted history entries are causing the problem.
Click Apply, then OK.
Restart your computer and monitor whether File Explorer remains stable during normal use.
Step 5: Disable Problematic Startup Applications
Some third-party applications install extensions that integrate directly with Windows Explorer. If one of these programs becomes incompatible or corrupted, it can trigger Explorer crashes.
Open Task Manager and navigate to the Startup tab.
Review the list of startup programs and disable non-essential applications by selecting them and clicking Disable.
Pay special attention to recently installed software, file management utilities, cloud storage applications, compression tools, and antivirus programs.
Restart your computer after disabling these applications. If Explorer stops crashing, one of the disabled programs is likely responsible. Re-enable applications individually to identify the exact cause.
Step 6: Update Windows and Device Drivers
Outdated operating system files and drivers can create compatibility issues that affect File Explorer performance.
Open Settings and select Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install all available updates. Windows frequently releases patches that address bugs and stability issues.
Next, update important drivers such as graphics, storage controller, and chipset drivers.
Open Device Manager, expand relevant categories, right-click a device, and choose Update driver.
Keeping Windows and hardware drivers current reduces the likelihood of Explorer crashes caused by software incompatibilities.
Step 7: Check Your Hard Drive for Errors
Bad sectors and file system errors on a storage drive can prevent Windows Explorer from reading files correctly, leading to crashes and restarts.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command: chkdsk C: /f /r
Press Enter.
If prompted to schedule the scan during the next restart, type Y and press Enter.
Restart your computer. Windows will scan the drive, repair logical errors, and attempt to recover readable information from damaged sectors.
After the process completes, test File Explorer again to see if stability has improved.
Step 8: Create a New Windows User Account
Sometimes the issue is limited to a corrupted user profile rather than the entire operating system.
Open Settings, then navigate to Accounts.
Select Other users and choose Add account.
Create a new local user account and sign in using the newly created profile.
Open File Explorer and perform the same tasks that previously caused crashes.
If Explorer works normally under the new account, your original profile may be damaged. In that case, transferring files to the new account may provide a permanent solution.
Step 9: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows using only essential Microsoft services and drivers. This helps identify software conflicts causing Explorer instability.
Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Open the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
Click Disable all.
Next, open the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
Disable all startup items, then restart your computer.
After the restart, test File Explorer. If the problem disappears, gradually re-enable services and startup programs until you identify the conflicting software.
This method is highly effective when Explorer crashes are caused by third-party applications.
Step 10: Reset or Repair Windows
If none of the previous methods resolve the issue, repairing or resetting Windows may be necessary.
Open Settings, then select System and Recovery.
Choose the available repair or reset option appropriate for your version of Windows.
The Keep my files option allows Windows to reinstall system components while preserving personal files.
Before proceeding, create a backup of important documents, photos, and other valuable data.
A system reset often resolves severe corruption issues that cannot be repaired through standard troubleshooting methods.
FAQs
Why does Windows Explorer keep crashing and restarting?
Windows Explorer may crash due to corrupted system files, damaged cache data, faulty drivers, incompatible software, hard drive errors, or problematic Windows updates.
Can malware cause File Explorer crashes?
Yes. Malware can damage system files and interfere with normal Windows operations. Running a full system scan with trusted security software is recommended if you suspect an infection.
Is it safe to restart Windows Explorer?
Yes. Restarting Windows Explorer is completely safe and is often the quickest way to fix temporary interface glitches without rebooting the entire computer.
How do I know if a third-party application is causing the problem?
Performing a clean boot is the most reliable method. If Explorer stops crashing during a clean boot, a third-party service or startup application is likely responsible.
Will resetting Windows delete my files?
The Keep my files reset option preserves personal data while reinstalling Windows. However, creating a backup before any repair or reset procedure is always recommended.