Windows explorer is not responding

Все способы:

  • Решаем проблемы с нерабочим Проводником в Windows 10
    • Способ 1: Очистка от вирусов
    • Способ 2: Чистка реестра
    • Способ 3: Оптимизация работы ПК
    • Способ 4: Исправление ошибок
    • Способ 5: Работа с обновлениями
    • Способ 6: Ручное исправление
  • Вопросы и ответы: 2

Проводник в Windows предоставляет доступ к файлам посредством реализации графического интерфейса. Его смело можно назвать основной визуальной оболочкой операционной системы. Иногда пользователи сталкиваются с тем, что данное приложение перестает отвечать или вовсе не запускается. При возникновении такой ситуации существует несколько основных методов ее решения.

Решаем проблемы с нерабочим Проводником в Windows 10

Чаще всего случается, что Проводник просто перестает отвечать или не запускается. Связано это может быть с разными факторами, например, программными сбоями или загруженностью системы. Перед началом выполнения всех операций приложение следует запустить самостоятельно, если оно завершило свою работу. Для этого откройте утилиту «Выполнить», зажав комбинацию клавиш Win + R, введите в поле explorer и кликните на «ОК».

Запустить Проводник вручную Windows 10

Способ 1: Очистка от вирусов

В первую очередь советуем провести стандартное сканирование компьютера на предмет наличия вредоносных файлов. Осуществляется данный процесс через специальное программное обеспечение, которого на просторах интернета присутствует огромное количество. Детальные инструкции по этой теме вы найдете в других наших материалах по ссылке ниже.

Антивирусная утилита Kaspersky

Читайте также:
Борьба с компьютерными вирусами

После завершения анализа и удаления вирусов в случае их обнаружения не забудьте перезагрузить ПК и повторить сканирование при запуске, чтобы наверняка избавиться от возможных угроз.

Способ 2: Чистка реестра

Помимо мусора и временных файлов в реестре Виндовс часто возникают и различные ошибки, приводящие к появлению сбоев в системе и общему замедлению работы компьютера. Поэтому иногда нужно проводить его чистку и исправление неполадок любым удобным методом. Развернутое руководство по чистке и наладке функционирования реестра читайте в наших статьях по следующим ссылкам.

Очистка реестра в программе CCleaner в Windows 7

Подробнее:
Как очистить реестр Windows от ошибок
Чистка реестра с помощью CCleaner

Способ 3: Оптимизация работы ПК

Если вы заметили, что не только Проводник перестает на время отвечать, но и уменьшилась производительность всей системы, следует позаботиться о том, чтобы оптимизировать ее, снизив нагрузку на определенные комплектующие. Кроме этого советуем почистить системный блок от пыли, это поможет понизить температуру составляющих и повысит быстродействие. Ниже вы найдете перечень статей, которые помогут разобраться с этими задачами.

Снятие задачи программы с помощью Диспетчера задач в виндовс 10

Подробнее:
Уменьшаем нагрузку на процессор
Увеличиваем производительность процессора

Способ 4: Исправление ошибок

Иногда в операционной системе возникают различные ошибки, вызывающие сбои в определенных приложениях, в том числе и в Проводнике. Их диагностика и исправление производится с помощью встроенных или дополнительных средств. Ознакомьтесь с подробным руководством об исправлении неполадок в отдельном материале.

Запустить сканирование целостности системы Windows 10

Подробнее: Проверка Windows 10 на наличие ошибок

Способ 5: Работа с обновлениями

Как известно, для Windows 10 достаточно часто выпускаются нововведения. Обычно они загружаются и инсталлируются в фоновом режиме, однако не всегда этот процесс проходит успешно. Мы рекомендуем провести такие действия:

  1. Откройте «Пуск» и перейдите в меню «Параметры», кликнув на значок с изображением шестеренки.
  2. Отыщите и откройте раздел «Обновление и безопасность».
  3. Открыть раздел Обновления в операционной системе Windows 10

  4. Убедитесь в том, что отсутствуют какие-либо не установленные обновления. Если они присутствуют, выполните их инсталляцию.
  5. Проверить наличие важных обновлений в операционной системе Windows 10

  6. В случае когда новые файлы поставились неправильно, они могут провоцировать сбои в работе ОС. Тогда их следует удалить и установить повторно. Для этого нажмите на ссылку «Просмотреть журнал установленных обновлений».
  7. Перейти к журналу установленных обновлений в операционной системе Windows 10

  8. Кликните на кнопку «Удалить обновления».
  9. Перейти к удалению обновлений в операционной системе Windows 10

  10. Отыщите свежие компоненты, деинсталлируйте их, а после установите повторно.
  11. Удалить обновления в операционной системе Windows 10

Дополнительные материалы по теме обновлений Виндовс 10 вы найдете по ссылкам ниже.

Читайте также:
Обновление Windows 10 до последней версии
Устанавливаем обновления для Windows 10 вручную
Устранение проблем с установкой обновлений в Windows 10

Способ 6: Ручное исправление

Если вышеперечисленные методы не принесли никакого результата, можно самостоятельно отыскать причину остановки Проводника и попытаться исправить ее. Осуществляется это следующим образом:

  1. Через меню «Пуск» перейдите в «Параметры».
  2. Здесь в строке поиска найдите приложение «Администрирование» и запустите его.
  3. Перейти к администрированию в операционной системе Windows 10

  4. Откройте инструмент «Просмотр событий».
  5. Открыть просмотр событий в Windows 10

  6. Через директорию «Журналы Windows» разверните категорию «Система» и вы увидите таблицу со всеми событиями. Откройте то, которое имеет информацию об остановке Проводника, и найдите описание программы или действия, что вызвало его остановку.
  7. Журнал событий Windows 10

Если причиной неработоспособности послужил сторонний софт, лучшим вариантом будет его удаление любым удобным методом.

Выше вы были ознакомлены с шестью вариантами исправления ошибок в функционировании системного приложения Проводник. При возникновении вопросов по данной теме смело задавайте их в комментариях.

Наша группа в TelegramПолезные советы и помощь

Introduction

Windows Explorer is an essential part of the Windows operating system, managing files, folders, and various user interface components. However, it can sometimes stop responding, leaving users frustrated. This guide provides quick and effective troubleshooting tips to fix the “Windows Explorer not responding” issue, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted.


Common Causes of Windows Explorer Not Responding

  1. System Overload: Running too many processes can slow down Explorer.
  2. Corrupted Files: Damaged system files can cause Explorer to hang.
  3. Outdated Drivers: Incompatible or outdated drivers may disrupt functionality.
  4. Third-party Software Conflicts: Some applications may interfere with Explorer.
  5. Malware and Viruses: Malicious software can compromise Explorer’s functionality.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Restart Windows Explorer

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
  • Right-click and select Restart.

2. Clear File Explorer History

  • Open Control Panel and navigate to File Explorer Options.
  • Under the General tab, click on Clear next to “Clear File Explorer history.”

3. Check for System File Corruption

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to repair corrupted files.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

  • Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
  • Expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics driver, and choose Update driver.

5. Scan for Malware

  • Use Windows Security or a trusted antivirus program to scan for and remove malware.

6. Boot into Safe Mode

  • Restart your PC and press F8 during boot.
  • Select Safe Mode from the options.
  • Check if the issue persists in Safe Mode.

7. Perform a System Restore

  • Open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
  • Select a restore point and follow the on-screen instructions.

 Conclusion

Experiencing Windows Explorer not responding can disrupt productivity, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue. Restarting Explorer, clearing history, and scanning for corrupted files or malware are effective starting points. Regular system updates, driver maintenance, and malware protection are essential to prevent future occurrences. By following this guide, you’ll ensure that your File Explorer functions smoothly, keeping your Windows experience efficient and hassle-free. If problems persist, seeking professional assistance or exploring Microsoft’s support resources may be necessary. Stay proactive, and your system will stay reliable!

FAQs

Q1. Why does Windows Explorer keep crashing?

A: Common reasons include corrupted files, outdated drivers, and malware. Regular maintenance can prevent crashes.

Q2. Can reinstalling Windows fix the issue?

A: Yes, reinstalling Windows can resolve persistent issues, but it should be a last resort after trying all other troubleshooting steps.

Q3. How can I avoid future Explorer issues?

A: Keep your system updated, run regular malware scans, and avoid overloading the system with unnecessary processes.

  • Windows Explorer not responding can be due to heavy resource usage, software conflicts, outdated or corrupted drivers, system file corruption, and malware.
  • To fix Windows Explorer issues, restart the File Explorer, clear its history, free up hard drive space, update graphics drivers, run malware scans, boot in Safe Mode, and run a System File Checker scan.
  • Additional solutions include restoring the computer using System Restore or resetting the PC, but always back up data before resetting.

Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is among the most widely used components of the Windows operating system. It provides a user-friendly interface for accessing files and folders.

However, it’s not uncommon for Windows Explorer to occasionally stop responding, leading to frustration and reduced productivity. In this article, let’s delve deep into why Windows Explorer ends up in a situation where it keeps crashing, doesn’t respond to commands and take a look at steps to resolve it.

Windows Explorer Not Responding

Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding

Table of Contents

  • Why Does Windows Explorer Keep Not Responding?
  • How to Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding
    • 1. Restart the Windows File Explorer
    • 2. Clear Windows Explorer’s History:
    • 3. Free Up Space on Your Hard Drive
    • 4. Update Graphics Driver
    • 5. Run a Malware Scan
    • 6. Boot Your System in Safe Mode
    • 7. Run System File Checker Scan
    • 8. Restore Your Computer using System Restore
    • 9. Reset Your PC
  • Conclusion

Why Does Windows Explorer Keep Not Responding?

Windows Explorer may become unresponsive for various reasons, ranging from software conflicts and outdated drivers to corrupted system files and insufficient system resources.

  • Heavy Resource Usage: Running multiple applications or large files can overload memory and system resources, causing Explorer to freeze.
  • Software Conflicts: Third-party applications, especially those that rely on local storage, can interfere with Explorer’s operations.
  • Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Drivers, particularly graphics drivers, that are outdated or corrupted are known to lead to display issues and Explorer crashes.
  • System File Corruption: Critical system files that are damaged or missing can prevent Explorer from functioning correctly.
  • Malware: Malicious software can disrupt normal operations and cause various system issues, including Explorer crashes.

READ MORE: How to Add Google Drive to Windows Explorer Sidebar? ➜

There are a variety of fixes you can try to resolve the Windows Explorer not responding issue.

1. Restart the Windows File Explorer

Restarting Windows File Explorer is one of the simplest fixes to try. Here’s how to do it:

↪ Method 1: via Task Manager

Restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager

Restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager
  1. Quickly open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Alternatively, you can search for it in the Start Search Box and choose the main listed result.
  2. Locate and select Windows Explorer in the list of processes.
  3. Once selected, click on the Restart Task button at the top-right corner. This will refresh Explorer without restarting your PC.

↪ Method 2: via Command Prompt

Force Stop Windows Explorer via Command Prompt

  1. Open a new Command Prompt window as Administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and choosing Terminal (Admin).
  2. Here, type taskkill /f /im explorer.exe and press Enter to stop Explorer.
  3. Then type start explorer.exe and press Enter to restart it.

2. Clear Windows Explorer’s History:

If Windows Explorer frequently crashes on your PC, clearing its history can improve performance and potentially resolve issues.

  1. Open a new File Explorer window, and look for and click on the three-dot icon.
  2. In the dropdown that appears, select Options to open the Folder Options menu.
    File Explorer Options Windows

    File Explorer Options Windows
  3. In the General tab, under Privacy, click Clear to erase File Explorer’s history.
    Clear File Explorer History Windows

    Clear File Explorer History Windows

READ MORE: Windows 11 Constantly Crashing? – Try these fixes ➜

3. Free Up Space on Your Hard Drive

If you’re running low on storage, Windows may not have enough space to operate normally, leading to frequent crashes. Here’s how to use the Disk Cleanup utility to free up storage:

  1. Open the Start Search Box by pressing the Windows icon on the keyboard, then search for Disk Cleanup and choose the main listed result.
    Open Disk Cleanup Windows

    Open Disk Cleanup Windows
  2. In the new window that opens, select the drive you want to clean and click OK.
    Configure Disk Cleanup

    Configure Disk Cleanup
  3. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete, including temporary files.
    Disk Cleanup

    Disk Cleanup
  4. Click OK and then Delete Files to confirm.

4. Update Graphics Driver

Many users on the forum have reported that a corrupted or outdated video driver might be causing issues with Windows Explorer. Here’s how you can update your graphics driver to the latest version.

Update Graphics Driver Windows

Update Graphics Driver Windows
  • Begin by opening Settings on your Windows PC. You can do this by quickly pressing the Windows + I keys on the keyboard or searching for the same in the Start Search Box.
  • Alternatively, right-click on the Start icon and select Settings.
  • On this page, click on Check for Updates and wait for Windows to search for any available updates. If you find an update available, click on Download and then Install the update.

READ MORE: How to update graphics driver in Windows? (AMD, Nvidia, Intel) ➜

5. Run a Malware Scan

Running a malware scan is essential to ensure the security and stability of your computer.

  1. In the Start Search Box, type Windows Security and choose the main result.
  2. Under Windows Security, look for and select Virus & Threat Protection.
    Virus and Threat Protection Windows Security

    Virus and Threat Protection Windows Security
  3. Here, click on Scan options and select Full scan, then click Scan now.
    Scan Options Windows Security

    Scan Options Windows Security
  4. Wait for the scan to complete, and if any threats are found, follow the on-screen instructions offered by Windows to remove the malware from the PC.

6. Boot Your System in Safe Mode

Booting your Windows machine in Safe Mode can help you isolate applications and determine if a specific application is causing issues or if it’s related to Windows itself. Here’s how to boot into Safe Mode:

  1. Head to Settings on your Windows machine.
  2. Navigate to System > Recovery and choose the Restart Now button next to Advanced Startup.
    Restart into Boot Options

    Restart into Boot Options
  3. In the boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
    Windows Boot Options

    Windows Boot Options
  4. Press the appropriate key (usually F4) to boot into Safe Mode.
    Boot into Safe Mode

    Boot into Safe Mode
  5. Check if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, it implies that a third-party application is causing trouble. Try uninstalling applications one by one to identify the app causing issues.

7. Run System File Checker Scan

Running a Windows System File Checker scan can help identify and repair corrupted files, restoring the stability of the operating system.

System File Checker Windows

System File Checker Windows
  1. Begin by launching Command Prompt/Terminal/PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start icon and selecting Terminal (Admin).

  2. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete.

  3. Windows will now search for and fix any corrupted or incorrect files.

READ MORE: How to: Run SFC scan in Windows ➜

8. Restore Your Computer using System Restore

If a System Restore point is prepared, you can revert your system to a previous state, restoring all Windows files and settings. Here’s how to use System Restore to go back in time:

  1. Press the Windows key on the keyboard, type Control Panel, and select the main result.

  2. In the Control Panel, use the search bar in the top-right corner and type Recovery, then press Enter.

    Search for Recovery

    Search for Recovery
  3. Choose Recovery from the list of available options and select Open System Restore.

    Open System Restore

    Open System Restore
  4. If you already have a System Restore point ready, Windows will display a Recommended Restore option. Select that and click Next, or choose a different restore point by selecting the other radio button on the page.

    Setup System Restore

    Setup System Restore
  5. On the next page, click Finish and then click Next to initiate the restoration process.

9. Reset Your PC

If none of the above solutions have worked, the last resort solution is to reset your PC. We recommend taking a complete computer backup before proceeding, as this process will delete all files and folders on the drive.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

  2. Under Recovery Options, click on Reset PC next to the Reset this PC section.

    Reset this PC in Windows

    Reset this PC in Windows
  3. On the next screen, choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.

    How Would You Like to Reinstall Windows

    How Would You Like to Reinstall Windows
  4. You can opt to reinstall Windows locally from the device or download and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows from the internet.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset of your PC.

READ MORE: Fix: File Explorer Slow, Lagging and Freezing in Windows 11 ➜

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows Explorer crashes can be resolved by restarting it, clearing its history, freeing up hard drive space, updating video drivers, running malware scans, booting in Safe Mode, using System File Checker, or even performing a System Restore if necessary.

As a last resort, you can reset your PC but always remember to back up your data before taking such a step. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and address Windows Explorer issues, ensuring a smoother and more productive computing experience.

FAQs

Can a corrupted system file lead to Windows Explorer not responding?

Yes, corrupted system files can be a common cause of Windows Explorer not responding. Using the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool can help identify and repair corrupted system files, potentially resolving the issue.

Can malware cause Windows Explorer to stop responding?

Yes, malware can interfere with system operations, including causing Windows Explorer to freeze or crash. Regular scans for malware are essential for maintaining system health.

Can low system resources, such as insufficient RAM or disk space, cause Windows Explorer crashes?

Yes, low system resources, such as insufficient RAM or disk space, can lead to Windows Explorer crashes. Ensure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for your operating system and consider upgrading your hardware if necessary.

Kamil Anwar

Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.

Summary: In this article you will find the best ways to fix Windows explorer not responding error with the help of Data Recovery Tool- Bitwar Data Recovery Software.

The Windows Explorer or the explorer.exe, or as it is called now on Windows 10, the File Explorer is an application for file management. In Windows, the file explorer is used for navigation to your hard drives, which displays the folder and its contents. It is launched automatically whenever you open a folder in the operating system.

Windows explorer not responding_main

But if the “Windows Explorer is not responding” error shows up on the screen, you won’t be able to open any folder on any version of Windows. If this error shows up, you will need a solution immediately. Otherwise, you won’t be able to do anything on your computer. Although there are a few temporary fixes that will ease the issue for the moment.

  • You can wait for Windows to find you a solution.
  • You can close the File Explorer via the Task Manager and start again.
  • Reboot your computer.
  • Update the video driver with a proper 64 or 32-bit version.
  • Lastly, it could be caused by a virus or malware. So, use anti-virus software to eliminate such stuff from your computer.

Sadly, these are all temporary patches to fix the issue momentarily, but it will happen again if a vast underlined cause caused the said error. To fix this issue permanently, you will have to use the advanced solutions which are detailed below;

Table of Contents

Part 1: Effective Solutions to Fix “Windows Explorer not responding” Error

Method 1: Use SFC or System File Checker

This is a straightforward method and kit works like a charm for Windows explorer not responding error. Let’s take a look below:

Step 1: Make a right-click on cmd.exe and select Run As Administrator.

Step2: Then, type sfc/scannow and hit Enter to proceed.

sfc scannow

Step 3: Now, a scan will begin.

After the scan, restart your computer, and the error shouldn’t have popped up again.

Method 2: Check the RAM and Clear some Ram Space(If Needed)

You can quickly check your RAM using Windows Memory Diagnostic. It is a relatively simple procedure, take a look here:

Step 1: Press Win logo key + R and then type Control panel in the dialogue box.

Step 2: Now, type Memory at the top-right search box to open Windows Memory Diagnostic.

Diagnose your computer memory issue

Step 3: You have to choose if you want to Reboot the computer or Run the tool immediately or Schedule the device to run automatically after the restart.

Step 4: If you set to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic after the restart, then you will make a regular memory check. If you want to run more tests, then the hit the F1 key, then use the Arrow keys to change the test standard to Basic or Standard or Extended.

Step 5: After that, hit the F10 key to confirm the settings, and then the testing will resume.

After completing the tests, your computer will reboot automatically. After it starts again, the test results will be visible on the screen.

Method 3: Repair the Thumbnail File

This is quite a different procedure but simple enough to be executed by anybody with the least amount of computer knowledge.

Step 1: Bring up the File Explorer by pressing Windows and E keys together.

Step 2: Then, go to View at the top menu of the panel, and then click on the Change Folder Search option under Options Menu.

Step 3: Now, navigate to the View tab after opening the window.

Always show icon

Step 4: After that, check the box and activate the option called Always Show Icons. Lastly, click OK to execute.

Part 2: Restore Files with a Professional Data Recovery Software

Well, the “Windows Explorer not Responding” error could cause an abrupt exit of your file explorer, and it may result in the deletion of a few files. It is also possible that due to some unforeseen reason, you deleted a few files to fix the said error, but after the issue gets fixed, those files will remain lost forever.

But don’t worry, with the help of Bitwar Data Recovery Software, those files can be recovered immediately. The operation is easy-to-go, and which requires you only three steps to get back the lost data, no expert skills needed!

Bitwar Data Recovery is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and Mac, which is capable of restoring any file formats, like document, image, video, audio, archive file, etc. From any storage medium, such as USB flash drive, internal & external hard drive, SD memory card, etc.

External Devices Recovery

To recover your deleted files, you can check on this tutorial: How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Files with Bitwar Data Recovery

Other Solutions Worth a Try:

Method 4: Restart the Windows Explorer using Task Manager

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and then choose Task Manager, or you can press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously, hit on Task Manager to launch Task Manager.

Step 2: Switch to Details tab and look for Explorer.exe and then right-click on it.

Step 3: Now, choose End Task, ignore the alert message, and hit on End process directly.

explorer.exe end task

Step 4: After ending the process, please move to File – Run new task from the top menu.

Step 5: Type explorer.exe and then click OK.

create new task

The explorer.exe process will be restarted, and you can now check whether the Windows explorer is not responding issue persisted or not.

Method 5: Restart Explorer using CMD

Step 1: Go to Start Menu and then type CMD, right-click on it and then choose Run as administrator.

Step 2: After opening the Command Prompt window, type taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe to terminate the explorer process.

Step 3: To restart the explorer.exe, you’ll need to type the command: start explorer.exe

restart explorer.exe using cmd

You’ll see the desktop back to normal right now, press Win Logo key + E at the same time to check Windows file explorer not responding error is fixed or not.

Fix it Now!

The “Windows Explorer Not Responding” error is a standard but a very terrible mistake of Windows. It forces you to stop all your work, as everything becomes inaccessible to you. So followed the several quick fixes and advanced solutions above to eliminate the error from the root.

Suppose that any of your files got lost or deleted during the abrupt exit of the File Explorer, you will be able to simply get it back with the help of Bitwar Data recovery software.

Read More

  1. 5 Ways to Fix “Error Copying File Or Folder Unspecified Error”
  2. Fixed: Windows cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File Error
  3. 9 Solutions to Fix Folder Disappeared Windows 10 Problem
  4. How to Restore files from Windows old folder
  5. [Q&A] Will Upgrading to Windows 10 Delete My Files?

Applies ToWindows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Enterprise Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate Windows Vista Home Basic Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition Windows Vista Home Premium Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition Windows Vista Enterprise Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition Windows Vista Business Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition Windows Vista Ultimate Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition

Symptoms

When working in Windows, you may receive the following error message:

Windows Explorer has stopped working.  Windows is restarting

Additionally, you may notice the screen flicker just before or after the error message appears.

Cause

This issue can be caused due to any of the following issues:

  • You may be using an outdated or corrupted video driver

  • System files on your PC may be corrupt or mismatched with other files

  • You may have a Virus or Malware infection on your PC

  • Some applications or services running on your PC may be causing Windows Explorer to stop working

Resolution

To resolve this issue you need to determine what is causing Windows Explorer to stop working, try the troubleshooting steps below to help determine the issue.

Update your current video driver

Outdated or corrupt video drivers can cause Windows Explorer to stop working. Downloading and installing the latest video driver can solve many of these issues. You can do this from using Windows Update or by visiting your system manufacturer’s website or by contacting them directly.
For more information on updating your drivers, see the following content on the Microsoft website:

Run System File Checker (SFC) to check your files

Use System File Checker to scan your PC for missing or corrupt files. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, and then type cmd in the Search box.

  2. In the results area, right-click cmd.exe, and then click Run as administrator. You may be prompted to type the password for an administrator account.

  3. Click Continue if you are the administrator or type the administrator password and then, click Continue.

  4. At the command prompt, type Sfc /scannow and then press ENTER.

The scan may take some time, so be patient. Windows will repair any corrupted or missing files that are found. If information from the installation CD is needed to repair the problem, you may be prompted to insert your Windows CD.

For more information about System File Checker (SFC) see the following KB article on the Microsoft website:

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

Scan your PC for Virus or Malware infections

Virus and Malware infections can cause problems with application performance. Use your favorite antivirus software to scan for any infections that might be hiding on your PC. If you don’t have an antivirus you can download and install Microsoft Security Essentials for free by following the link below.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Start your PC in Safe Mode to check for startup issues

Start your PC in Safe Mode and see if you can reproduce the error. After starting your PC in Safe Mode, work as you normally do and perform the same actions that you perform when getting the error. If you still receive the error in Safe Mode, go to the next section and follow the steps to do Clean Boot troubleshooting. 

To learn how to start your PC in Safe Mode, see the following article on the Microsoft website:

Start your computer in safe mode

Start your PC in a Clean Boot environment and troubleshoot the issue

If you do not experience the same crashes in Safe Mode, it’s very likely a startup item is causing the issue. Follow the steps found on the following article to perform a clean boot and pinpoint the item causing the issue.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Additional Troubleshooting Steps:

The additional troubleshooting steps below are less common but can still cause Windows Explorer to stop working. 

Test your system’s RAM memory

Sometimes faulty RAM (Random-Access Memory) can cause intermittent problems within Windows. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool by clicking Start, type Memory Diagnostics and select the result in the list. When the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool window appears, choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended).

Test for picture files that may contain corruption

Corrupt images can sometimes issues with Windows Explorer. If Windows Explorer stops working while working with pictures or browsing folders that contain pictures, there may be corruption is one or more picture files. To test for this issue, follow the steps below:

  1. Click Start and click Computer

  2. Click Organize and select Folder and search options from the dropdown

  3. On the Folder Options window, click the View tab

  4. Place a check in the option to Always show Icons, never thumbnail

  5. Remove the check for the option to Display file icon on thumbnails

  6. Click OK to close the Folder Options window

Now, go to any folders that contain Pictures or Videos and see if you can reproduce the issue. If Windows Explorer does stop working, the folder that you were viewing possibly contains one or more pictures files that are corrupt or contain corrupted thumbnail data.

Note: After adjusting the options to Display file icon on thumbnails, and Always show Icons, never thumbnail, files no longer display thumbnails so pictures and other files will display as the default icon for their file types.  If you can reproduce the error with these options set, the issue is not with pictures or videos and you should return the Folder options to their original settings.

Check the details of the error to see which application caused Windows Explorer to stop working. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start and type Action Center in the Search area and click Action Center from the returned list

  2. In the Action Center window, click Maintenance, click View reliability history and then click View all problem reports from the bottom of the Reliability Monitor window

  3. Scroll down to the list of Windows Explorer items

  4. Double-click on Stopped working to view technical details and then make a note of the technical details.

Perform a System Restore

If the solutions above do not resolve the issue you can perform a System Restore to restore the PC back to a time before the issue started. If the issue has been occurring for a month or more, it may be better to follow the steps in the next section and perform an In-Place Upgrade to repair the issue. To perform a System Restore, follow the steps in the article listed below:

System Restore

Perform an In-Place Upgrade

If the issue has been occurring for a month or more, it may be better to perform an In-Place Upgrade and restore Windows to the original installation. Performing an In-Place Upgrade will not damage files and applications that are currently installed on your computer. To perform an In-Place Upgrade, follow the steps in the article listed below:

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 & Windows Server 2008 R2

More Information

Have other questions? To obtain free support, check out our Microsoft Community. There, you can search for answers or ask other users specific questions. Click the following link to visit the Microsoft Community Forums:

Microsoft Community
To see Answers posts about this issue, click the following link:

Error: Windows Explorer has stopped working

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