This is one of the most common errors on Windows 7 or higher, where Windows File Explorer becomes unresponsive with the error message “Windows Explorer has stopped working and is restarting.” If you have also encountered this, then here is the complete guide to rectifying the fact that Windows File Explorer has stopped working. Follow the instructions mentioned below.
How to Fix Windows File Explorer has stopped working?
There could be various reasons for this error, which is likely to cause Windows Explorer to crash or freeze. So, concerning your problem, here is the troubleshooting to resolve the query without further ado. Let’s check it out. To clear malware, simply run a quick check disc, create a system restore, update your Windows to the latest version, and run a full scan of Windows Defender.
Quick troubleshooting
If you use the following troubleshooting to resolve the error, here you go with the guide.
Disable: Preview Pane, Thumbnails, UAC Temporarily, DEP, and See
So, starting with disabling the preview panel
- Click on Organise in the File Explorer.
- Head over to Layout.
- Click on the Preview pane.
Disable Thumbnails
- Click on the folder option in File Explorer.
- Click on the View tab, and then check the ‘Always Show icons’
- Next, choose Never Thumbnails.
- Click Apply, and then click OK to save changes.
Disable UAC
You should check after disabling the UAC temporarily.
Disable DEP and check
It is a security feature, where DEP stands for Data Execution Prevention. This helps protect the device from unknown viruses and security threats. Use this cmd command to execute “bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff.”
Open a Folder in the New Process
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on Organise, and then click on the Folder & Search Option.
- Select View, and then click Advanced Settings.
- Check the checkbox for ‘Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process’.
- Click OK to save changes.
Check the installed add-ons.
If you have installed any add-ons to your computer, then you should check for them. If you find any unwanted extensions installed, we recommend you remove them from your computer. For this, you can download and install ShellExView, which helps you scan and detect any malicious 3rd-party Shell extension installed on your computer. If it detects any such extension, you can remove the extension using ShellView.
Run System File Checker
It checks the Windows system, as it is integrated with resource protection. If it detects anything, it helps restore the system file.
- Open CMD as an administration
- Type sfc/scannow and hit enter.
- That’s it!
Update the Video Drivers
- Open device manager and search for device manager on Windows Search from the taskbar.
- Head over to the display adapter.
- Choose your driver.
- Right-click on the driver, and then click Update Driver Software.
- Keep patience; it will scan; if it finds any updates, it will download and install them on your computer.
- That’s it!
Troubleshoot in a clean boot state
- Search for Msconfig, and then go to the General tab.
- Click on Selective Startup.
- Check the checkbox for the Microsoft Service and disable other non-Microsoft services.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
- Restart your PC, and if it resolves the error, clear the Load System files and then save changes.
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
- Open the Windows Control Panel and then search for ‘Memory’ in the search
- Then, click on Diagnose Computer Memory.
- Choose ‘Restart and check for problems’
- Wait for it to check for the problem. It will restart your PC and check after that.
- You can also choose the advanced option from the available options.
- That’s it!