Why Windows Explorer Keeps Crashing: A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting
Windows Explorer is a fundamental component of the Windows operating system, providing users with a graphical user interface to navigate through files, folders, and drives. However, many users have encountered the frustrating issue of Windows Explorer crashing or freezing, which can disrupt their workflow and productivity. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why Windows Explorer keeps crashing and provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting these issues.
1. Corrupted System Files
One of the most common reasons for Windows Explorer crashes is corrupted system files. These files can become damaged due to various factors, such as malware infections, improper system shutdowns, or hardware failures. To fix this issue, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool, which scans and repairs corrupted system files.
How to run the System File Checker:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list of options.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt or PowerShell window and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete, which may take several minutes.
2. Outdated or Faulty Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can also cause Windows Explorer to crash. Drivers are essential software components that enable your hardware devices to communicate with the operating system. To resolve this issue, you can update or roll back your drivers.
How to update or roll back drivers:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list of options.
2. Expand the “Display adapters” or “Network adapters” category, depending on the device you are troubleshooting.
3. Right-click on the problematic device and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall device.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update or roll back the driver.
3. Resource Consumption
High resource consumption, such as excessive CPU or memory usage, can cause Windows Explorer to crash. This issue can occur when running too many applications simultaneously or when a background process is consuming a significant amount of system resources.
How to manage resource consumption:
1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”
2. In the “Processes” or “Details” tab, sort the processes by CPU or memory usage.
3. Identify any applications or processes consuming excessive resources and close them or restart your computer.
4. Malware Infections
Malware infections can cause various system issues, including Windows Explorer crashes. To protect your computer from malware, ensure that you have a reliable antivirus software installed and perform regular scans.
How to scan for malware:
1. Open your antivirus software and run a full system scan.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove any detected malware.
5. Third-party Applications
Some third-party applications may interfere with Windows Explorer and cause it to crash. To identify if a third-party application is causing the issue, you can perform a clean boot, which starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
How to perform a clean boot:
1. Press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig” in the Run dialog, and press Enter.
2. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
3. Click on “Disable all” to disable all non-Microsoft services.
4. Go to the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
5. In the Task Manager, disable all startup programs.
6. Restart your computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Windows Explorer crashes can be caused by various factors, including corrupted system files, outdated or faulty drivers, high resource consumption, malware infections, and third-party applications. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve the underlying issues causing Windows Explorer to crash, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
