How to Repair “Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working”
Have you ever encountered the frustrating message “Windows Explorer has stopped working” on your computer? This error can interrupt your workflow and cause significant inconvenience. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many Windows users face this issue at some point. In this article, we will guide you through several effective methods to repair “Windows Explorer has stopped working” and get your system back up and running smoothly.
1. Restart Your Computer
The simplest and most common solution to many computer problems is to restart your device. Sometimes, “Windows Explorer has stopped working” can be a temporary glitch caused by a brief system malfunction. Restarting your computer can help clear the error and restore normal functionality.
2. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run the SFC, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the SFC will attempt to repair them automatically.
3. Run the DISM Tool
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is another Windows utility designed to repair system image files and components. To run DISM, follow these steps:
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) as mentioned in the previous section.
2. Type “dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the DISM tool to complete its checks.
4. If any issues are found, run the following command: “dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth”
5. Once the scan is complete, run “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” to repair the issues.
4. Reset Windows Explorer
If the previous methods haven’t resolved the issue, you can try resetting Windows Explorer. This will restore the program to its default settings. To reset Windows Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type “net stop explorer” and press Enter.
3. Open File Explorer and navigate to “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps”.
4. Delete the “Microsoft.Windows Explorer_8wekyb3d8bbwe” folder.
5. Restart your computer.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Explorer
If none of the above methods work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Explorer. This can be a bit risky, as it involves deleting and replacing system files. Before proceeding, make sure to create a system restore point. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R, type “sysdm.cpl” in the Run dialog, and press Enter.
2. Go to the “System Protection” tab and click “Create”.
3. Give the restore point a name and click “Create”.
4. Once the restore point is created, press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
5. Type “net stop explorer” and press Enter.
6. Open File Explorer and navigate to “C:\Windows\System32”.
7. Delete the “explorer.exe” file.
8. Restart your computer and Windows will automatically download and install the latest version of Windows Explorer.
Conclusion
“Windows Explorer has stopped working” can be a pesky error, but with the right approach, you can easily repair it and get back to your work. Try the methods outlined in this article, and your system should be up and running in no time. If you’re still experiencing issues, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician.
