Accessing, managing, and organising files and folders on your computer is made possible by the indispensable tool known as File Explorer. It’s not, however, Microsoft’s most reliable product. On your Windows 11 PC, File Explorer could occasionally stop responding or, worse yet, crash. Your workflow may be hampered by frequent File Explorer crashes, which might also make you angry. This article will cover some practical advice for resolving File Explorer crashes in Windows 11.
Also Read: How to Fix File Explorer Tabs Not Showing in Windows 11
Method 1: Reboot Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer provides the graphical user interface for a number of applications, including File Explorer, the taskbar, the Start menu, and others. On occasion, File Explorer on Windows may abruptly close as a result of short-term problems with the Windows Explorer process. You can fix problems with Windows Explorer by merely restarting the Windows Explorer process rather than completely rebooting the computer. The steps are listed below:
Step 1: Select Task Manager from the list by performing a right-click on the Start icon.
Step 2: Windows Explorer can be found under the Processes tab. Select Restart with a right-click on it.
Step 3: Your taskbar will briefly vanish and then reappear, signifying that the Windows Explorer process has restarted.
After that, File Explorer on Windows ought to function properly.
Also Read: How To Disable File Explorer Tabs In Windows 11?
Method 2: Delete Cache In File Explorer
File Explorer builds up cache data to enhance performance. But, if the temp data is out-of-date or faulty, it can result in a number of problems, like the one covered here. To test if it helps, you can attempt deleting the current File Explorer cache. Use these steps to do that:
Step 1: Open the Start menu, enter “file explorer options” and then click the top result under best match.
Step 2: Click the Clear button next to “Clear File Explorer History” under the General tab.
Bonus: Get Rid Of Temporary Files on Your PC.
Like cache, there are many temporary files that are being created on your PC to enhance its performance. This is a normal process that is being carried out by both the Windows OS and certain apps. The irony here is that although these files get created but are never deleted automatically and hence accumulate over time. Here is why you should delete this temp files:
Speed up your PC. The more files, the slower your PC becomes as it takes time to search the relevant files required for any task that you are executing.
Free Up Space. Temp files created over time occupy unnecessary storage space that can be put to better use.
Prevent Crashes. One of the most common reasons for app crashes is due to temp files that have been created over time.
We suggest using Advanced PC Cleanup, an amazing optimization software that will not only help clean all the temp files but help with other aspects of optimizing your PC.
Clean Your PC – Remove Junk, Cache, Cookies, Obsolete files and more.
Startup Manager – Disable unwanted startup apps that slow down the boot time of your PC.
Uninstall Programs – Remove redundant programs that you do not use anymore.
Fix Registry – Run a Registry scan to fix any errors and invalid entries.
Protect Identity – Delete Browser History and maintain your privacy.
Malware Detection – Eliminate malware, spyware, adware and other types of infected files.
Also Read: How To Enable Compact View In File Explorer On Windows 11
Method 3: Setup Options For File Explorer
In Windows 11, problems with Quick Access can occasionally lead to problems with File Explorer as well. If so, you can set File Explorer to open on the This PC page to fix the problem. You can follow the instructions listed below.
Step 1: For File Explorer to launch, press Win + E.
Step 2: Select the three dots menu option and select Options.
Step 3: The Folder Options window will now open. Locate the Open File Explorer drop down menu and choose This PC.
Step 4: Click Apply, then select OK.
Also Read: How To Fix Slow File Explorer In Windows 11
Method 4: Start A Separate Process And Open Folder Windows
By default, a single explorer.exe process hosts all File Explorer instances. Hence, whenever a problem arises with one of the active File Explorer windows, it also affects the other active windows. You can set Windows to launch the File Explorer windows in a different process to prevent this. This is the procedure.
Step 1: To launch the Run command dialogue box, press Win + R.
Step 2: To launch File Explorer Options, enter control.exe and hit Enter.
Step 3: View tab should be selected.
Step 4: Select the Launch folder windows in a different process checkbox under Advanced options.
Step 5: Click Apply, then click OK.
Also Read: How To Save A Windows File Explorer Search For Future Use
Method 5: Activate The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
File Explorer mishaps are likely to occur if your PC’s RAM is having problems. It’s a good thing that Windows comes with a helpful Memory Diagnostic tool that can check the PC’s RAM for any potential issues.
Step 1: To launch the Run dialogue box, press Win + R.
Step 2: Type mdsched into the box and then press the Enter key.
Step 3: To check for issues in the Windows Memory Diagnostic panel, click Restart now.
Step 4: Wait for your PC’s RAM to be checked for faults by the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
Take the necessary actions to solve any problems it finds, if any.
Also Read: Top 9 Ways To Fix “File Explorer Not Responding” On Windows 11
The Final Word On Does File Explorer Keep Crashing on Windows 11? Try These Fixes
This is how, then, you prevent File Explorer from crashing on your Windows machine. Temporary errors or an out-of-date File Explorer cache are typically to blame for problems. If not, you might have to use the alternative approaches described above to deal with the underlying problem.
Not a fan of Windows 11’s default File Explorer? There are numerous File Explorer substitutes that are worthwhile to use.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.