Your Windows crashing with several tabs of your assignment or client work open is enough to make a grown man lose it. And even if you’ve just sat down, full cup of coffee in hand, ready to get to work, having File Explorer throw a tantrum is frustrating enough to question all your life choices.
But let’s not spiral. Like any good mystery, the first step is figuring out what’s actually wrong. Diagnosing the issue gives you the power to fix it, and fix it right. So, before you start rage-clicking or threatening to throw your PC out the window, let’s calmly walk through the potential causes and real fixes for Windows Explorer constantly crashing.
Restart Method to Fix Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing
Restarting Windows File Explorer is the first method I’ll cover, and it's one that has consistently worked well for me, especially when Windows File Explorer crashes on startup and displays the “Not Responding” message. I’ve encountered these issues several times, and in my experience, using Task Manager has proven to be a quick and reliable way to fix them.
Step 1: First, you’ll need to open Windows Task Manager. Use the search bar to look for “Task Manager”, then click to open it. Alternatively, you can press “CTRL + ALT + DEL” and select “Task Manager” from the options that appear.
Step 2: In Windows Task Manager, click on the “Processes” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the programs installed on your system, with the currently running ones shown at the top.
Step 3: From this list, find and click on the “Windows Explorer” process. Then, click the “Restart” button located at the bottom-right corner of Task Manager.
This method restarts Windows Explorer, so you’ll need to manually open File Explorer again afterward. It’s a quick and practical fix, especially if Windows File Explorer crashes on startup or shows the “Not Responding” message. You don’t have to reboot your whole system, which makes it perfect when you just want to get back to work without delay. I’ve relied on this a few times myself, and it worked well as a temporary solution.That said, if the problem keeps coming back, it’s a sign you should explore more in-depth troubleshooting methods.
System File Check Method to Fix Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing
If Windows Explorer keeps crashing after update, the issue could be due to corrupted system files or conflicts introduced during the update process. In some cases, even third-party context menu extensions can trigger repeated crashes. Running a System File Check (SFC) can help identify and repair these issues automatically. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Start by using the search bar to find "Command Prompt", and then click on the "Run as Administrator" option to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Step 2: In Command Prompt, type the following command and press “Enter”:
sfc /scannow
Step 3: The system will begin scanning and verifying files, identifying and repairing any corrupted ones. This process may take some time, so be patient until it completes successfully.
Step 4: Once the scan is finished, you’ll receive a completion message in Command Prompt, along with details about the scan. To ensure the repairs are applied properly, restart your computer.
When you use this method, you're essentially allowing Windows to scan for corrupted files and automatically repair them. Most users overlook this step, but it’s one of the first things you should try. If your File Explorer has been freezing, crashing, or responding slower than usual, especially after a system update, this scan can quietly catch the root of the problem.
In my case, it pinpointed system errors I didn’t even know were there. I had tried restarting, updating drivers, and clearing caches, but the issue kept coming back. This method was what finally stabilized things.
Clean Boot Method to Fix Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing
A Clean Boot starts Windows with only essential Microsoft services, helping you spot conflicts from third-party apps, add-ins, or shell extensions. These can often become outdated or incompatible after updates, triggering File Explorer crashes. It’s a more advanced step, but highly effective when simpler fixes fail. Here’s how to fix “Windows Explorer keeps crashing” issue with the help of Clean Boot method:
Step 1: Let’s first open the Run dialog using the keyboard shortcut “WIN + R”.
Step 2: Now in the Open field, type “msconfig” and press “Enter” to open Windows System Configuration.
Step 3: Next, click on the “Services” tab, and in the bottom-left corner, check “Hide all Microsoft services”.
Step 4: Now go to the “Startup” tab, where you’ll click on the “Open Task Manager” option.
Step 5: In Task Manager, disable any third-party programs one by one. You can start with the ones showing High startup impact. Just select the program and click the “Disable” button.
This method takes a little more time, but if you're dealing with stubborn crashes, it's absolutely worth it. It's one of the most effective ways to get to the root of software-related instability.
Why WPS Office Makes Troubleshooting Easier
When your system’s acting up, the last thing you need is more chaos. WPS Office has quietly built a reputation for being that unbothered, unproblematic Office suite that shows up, stays stable, and does what it’s told. In the middle of your tech headaches, it's the calm in the storm, keeping your files tidy and your frustration at bay, especially when documents are involved.
If you're knee-deep in diagnosing crashing File Explorer issues or juggling driver updates like a digital circus act, keeping track of what you've already done is half the battle.
Here's how WPS Office helps you troubleshoot smarter:
WPS Writer: Clean, readable notes for every fix you try. No more second-guessing, “Did I already run SFC?”.
WPS Spreadsheet: Log driver versions, crash timestamps, and error codes. Filter, sort, and actually stay on top of things.
WPS PDF: Open and annotate long-winded manuals or tech docs without the lag. Highlight what matters and ignore the fluff.
WPS Cloud: Sync everything across devices. So even if your system crashes unexpectedly again, your notes are safe, sound, and exactly where you need them.
WPS helps you build a tidy workflow while your PC throws tantrums. I’ve used it to document dozens of fixes, system setups, and even create templates for recurring issues. When you're managing more than one machine or walking someone else through a repair, having it all organized is always really helpful and something you will always need.
FAQs About Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing
1. Why does Windows Explorer crash repeatedly?
Several reasons can cause Windows Explorer to crash often, such as:
Damaged or missing system files that affect stability.
Conflicts with third-party programs installed on the computer.
Problematic Windows updates that introduce bugs or errors.
2. What’s the quickest way to fix a File Explorer crash?
You can restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager to fix the crash:
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Step 2: If Task Manager looks simple and only shows apps, click on More details at the bottom.
Step 3: Go to the Processes tab. Scroll down and find Windows Explorer in the list.
Step 4: Right-click Windows Explorer and choose Restart.
3. Is it safe to run SFC and Clean Boot methods?
Yes, both are safe. They are built-in Windows tools meant to help fix system problems without harming your computer.
4. Should I back up my files before troubleshooting?
It's crucial to back up your files before troubleshooting to prevent data loss. Cloud options like OneDrive or backup software such as WPS Office are reliable and easy to use for securing your important files.
Keep your Data Safe with WPS Office
Finally getting your Windows crashes is like breathing fresh air for the first time in weeks. Honestly, once the chaos stops, it feels like your whole system (and sanity) got rebooted. Now, when it comes to tools that actually have your back, especially ones that don’t flake when your system does, having something dependable is not just smart, it’s essential.
That’s why I always recommend WPS Office. It's not just for documents; it’s your digital safety net. And when your system does decide to crash again, having your notes, logs, and files backed up and synced with WPS Cloud is the blessing you didn’t know you needed.
