File Explorer Crashing in Windows 11 [13 Expert Fixes]

Are you having issues with File Explorer crashing in Windows 11? We got you! Many Windows 11 users have reported experiencing problems with their File Explorer crashing and not responding.

Fortunately, you can try several potential fixes to get your File Explorer back up and running. This article will discuss 13 expert fixes for File Explorer crashing in Windows 11.

Why does my File Explorer keep crashing?

There are several reasons why your File Explorer may be crashing. These reasons may include the following:

Outdated hardware or software: Your windows might be an older version. Your hardware may also be unable to keep up with your current system requirements. If so, then this may be causing your File Explorer to crash.
Corrupt files: Corrupt files can cause your File Explorer to crash, which will be unpleasant.
Malware or Viruses: Malware or viruses can also cause your File Explorer to crash. You may need to troubleshoot to detect this.
System Overload: Your computer may run too many processes at once or even background processes. This can overload your system, causing your File Explorer to crash.
System Registry Errors: System Registry errors can also cause your File Explorer to crash. Some software apps can be downloaded to fix this issue.

These problems can cause File Explorer to crash randomly on your Windows 11. File Explorer could also be crashing after you update your Windows 11.

Even if your File Explorer tends to fail on your Windows 11 desktop or laptop, these solutions will prevent it from crashing:

How do I fix File Explorer crashing in Windows 11?

1. Adjust file explorer options

Firstly, press the Windows and S buttons together on your keyboard and search for control panel.
Click on the app to start it.
On the top right corner, type File Explorer options in the search entry and open it.
Then select the General tab.
Next to the Open File Explorer to click on the drop-down menu and then choose the This PC option.
Finally, click on Apply, then select OK.

2. Use SFC to fix File Explorer crashing on Windows 11

Firstly, press the Windows and S buttons on your keyboard and search for cmd.
In the next window, enter the following code and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Restart PC as soon as the process is complete.

3. Clear your PC cache

Firstly, press the Windows and S buttons together on your keyboard and search for control panel.
Click on the app to start it.
On the top right corner, type File Explorer options in the search entry and open it.
Then, navigate to the General tab.
Now select Clear and then click on the Ok option.

4. Update drivers to fix File Explorer crashing on Windows 11

Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
Now click Advanced Options.
Then click on the Optional updates section.
Finally, select the Driver Updates section and Download and Install all the available updates.
Restart your PC.

5. Update Windows 11

Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
Now Windows will search for new Windows updates.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
Finally, restart your computer.

6. End problematic app

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to start the Task Manager.
When it launches, in the Processes tab, locate the problematic app, right-click on it, and click End task.
Check to see if the error is rectified.

7. Restart File Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to start the Task Manager.
When it launches, in the Processes tab, locate the File Explorer icon, right-click on it and click End task.
Restart File Explorer.

8. Restart your PC

Restarting your PC can occasionally help improve performance, as it clears out any memory being used and allows programs to start up fresh. It can also help to resolve any software or hardware issues that might be causing your system to run slowly or become unresponsive.

Restarting your PC can also help install updates more efficiently and reset your PC’s settings if necessary. Don’t underestimate the need to restart your PC. It occasionally resolves issues, like 50% of the time.

9. Do a Safe Mode troubleshooting

Click the Power icon on the login screen, hold Shift, and select Restart.
Choose Troubleshoot from the next menu options.
Select Advanced options.
Afterward, click Advanced options to access other options. Now click Startup Settings.
After that is done, click Restart.
Press 5 on your keyboard to start Safe Mode with Networking.

10. Reset Windows 11

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings dialog.
Scroll to the System section and click Recovery.
Then click on the Reset PC button.
Choose the desired option.
Choose your preferred reinstall type. Please use the Local reinstall.
Now verify your reinstall settings.
Select Reset to begin the process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.

11. Scan for Malware

In the search box, search for Windows Security.
Click on the relevant search result to open the application.
Now click Virus & threat protection.
Next, click on the Scan options to view all available scans.
Choose the Full scan option and click the Scan now button to do a deep scan on your PC for viruses or malware.

12. Troubleshoot Hardware

Firstly, press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog. Then type in the code below and press Enter.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Now click Next to open the troubleshooter. Select the appropriate response to complete troubleshooting when prompted.
Check to see if the Windows 11 critical process died error has been resolved when the troubleshooting is complete.

13. Update Windows to fix File Explorer crashing on Windows 11

Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
Windows will search for new Windows updates accordingly.
Afterward, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
Finally, restart your computer.

How can I prevent my Windows 11 File Explorer from crashing?

To prevent File Explorer from crashing in Windows 11, there are several steps you can take. You can, by all means, start by checking for software updates. Ensure Windows 11 and File Explorer are also up to date with the latest security and bug fixes.

Disable any unnecessary add-ons. Some add-ons can cause compatibility issues and also lead to crashes. Disable any unnecessary add-ons in File Explorer and other programs.

When trying to prevent a crash, scan for viruses and malware. Malware can damage system files and cause File Explorer. Use an antivirus program to scan your computer accordingly and remove viruses or malware. We have also left some steps above to assist you in scanning for malware.

Additionally, clear your cache. File Explorer stores temporary files in its cache, which can become corrupted over time and cause crashes. Also, run a disk check for corrupted files or fragmented hard drives.

To conclude, numerous potential solutions exist to fix file explorer crashing on Windows 11. As can be seen, these solutions are included in this solution guide and will work adequately is followed studiously.

While these solutions may be effective in some cases, it is best to work through them individually to determine which works best for your system. Additionally, it is important to back up important data before attempting any of these solutions to avoid further damage to the system.