🧩 How to reset File Explorer when it keeps crashing
File Explorer is the essential tool we use every day to browse our files in Windows. When it starts to freeze, close on its own, or become unresponsive, our work becomes extremely difficult. The good news is that there are effective solutions that can fix this annoying problem in Windows 11.
(I.e. 1. Restart File Explorer
The quickest and easiest solution that often fixes the problem:
- He pressed Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Locate the process named in the list "Windows Explorer"
- Right click on it and select "Restart"
This method refreshes the work environment without having to restart your computer!
🧹 2. Clear the Quick Access cache
The shortcut cache can fill up and cause problems:
- He pressed Win + R and typed:
shell:recent\AutomaticDestinations
- Delete all files inside this folder.
- Repeat the same process with the following command:
shell:recent\CustomDestinations
Don't worry – this will only clean up the quick link shortcuts, not your actual files!
🔧 3. Cleaning third-party plugins
Some programs (such as WinRAR, Dropbox, etc.) add options to the right-click, which may cause instability:
- Download the free tool ShellExView from the NirSoft website
- Launch the program and filter to only show non-Microsoft add-ins
- Disable what you don't really need
- Restart File Explorer
If you see an improvement, enable the add-ons one by one to find which one is causing the problem.
️ 4. Check and repair corrupted files
Corrupted system files can cause problems in Explorer:
- Open the command prompt as administrator (right-click Start → "Windows Terminal (Admin)")
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc / scannow
If the problem is not solved, try this command:
DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / RestoreHealth
These commands may take some time to complete. Be patient!
(I.e. 5. Clean boot system
To block interference from other programs:
- He pressed Win + R and write msconfig
- On the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services" and stepped on "Disable all"
- On the Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable programs you don't need at startup.
- Restart the computer.
✅ summarizing
File Explorer problems can be caused by a variety of reasons: accumulated temporary files, corrupted system files, add-ons from other programs, or software conflicts. With the methods above, you can restore stability and continue working on your computer without any problems.
📌 Note: If none of the above solves the problem, you can try creating a new user account or restoring the system to a previous date when it was working properly. These are more radical solutions, which usually resolve even the most persistent problems.
✍️ Evangelos
Its creator LoveForTechnology.net — an independent and trusted source for tech guides, tools, software, and practical solutions. Each article is based on personal testing, evidence-based research, and care for the average user. Here, technology is presented simply and clearly.
Its creator LoveForTechnology.net — an independent and trusted source for tech guides, tools, software, and practical solutions. Each article is based on personal testing, evidence-based research, and care for the average user. Here, technology is presented simply and clearly.
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