How To Fix Windows Explorer has Stopped Working – Windows 10

File Explorer not responding is one of the common and annoying problems faced by Windows users. If you too are facing this error, follow the steps explained below to fix “File Explorer keeps crashing on Windows 10.”

How to Fix File Explorer Not Responding on Windows 10?

Certainly, File Explorer keeps crashing is a big problem, but in addition to this, users have reported certain other issues with File Explorer that are enlisted below:

You will be able to fix these problems using one of the solutions explained in this article.

Common File Explorer Issues:

• File Explorer not working: This common problem is sometimes preceded by frequent hangs.
• File Explorer crashes when right-clicking something: This issue could come up due to third party apps, you can fix it by using the solutions we will list below.
• Windows Explorer quick access keeps crashing
• Windows 10 File Explorer keeps closing unexpectedly
• File Explorer keeps crashing in a loop
• Windows Explorer doesn’t open on Windows 10

Ways to Fix File Explorer not responding and other File Explorer Issues

Technique 1: Run netsh and winsock command

Press Windows key + R together.

1. In the Run window, type cmd, and then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER. This will open the Command Prompt in administrator mode. If you do not press these keys, Command Prompt will not open in administrator mode.

1. Type netsh command,and press Enter.
2. Next, type winsock in Command Prompt, and press Enter.

Note: You can enter the complete command netsh winsock reset at one go.

If you face any problem in accessing Command Prompt as admin take a closer look at this guide.

Technique 2: Take Full Control

1. Launch File Explorer, click on Properties.

2. In the consecutive window, click the Security tab.
3. Next, click the Advanced button.
4. This will open Advanced Security Settings for Downloads. Here, click on change next to the Owner.

5. Next,  If you know the username type it in “Enter the object to select.”

6. However, if you do not know the username, click on Advanced present at the bottom left.
7. Click on Find Now to see all groups and users created on the computer.
8. Select username or group > click Ok
9. Next click on Edit to set full access to the file folder for your account.
10. Under Permissions set it to Full Control > Apply > Ok. If you are unable to find your account in the list click on the Add button.

We need to follow this step as many a time Windows 10 Installer is unable to manage file permissions.

Technique 3: Change File Explorer Options

If File Explorer keeps crashing on your Windows 10, you can fix it by changing settings. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows + S key altogether.
2. Next type folder options > select File Explorer Options.
   
3. Next, under File Explorer Options, click on the View tab.
4. Here, under Advanced settings, look for Launch folder windows in a separate process. Checkmark the box before the option.
5. Click Apply > Ok.

Now, use Windows Explorer you should not face the crashing problem in Windows Explorer.

Technique 4: Change text size

According to some users, Windows Explorer crashes if the text size is not appropriate. Therefore, to fix this problem, we will need to adjust the font size. To learn how to do that, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows + I key together to open Windows Settings.
2. Click System.
3. In the new window that opens under Display look for Scale and layout section. Now, click the down arrow under Change the size of text, apps, and other items. Make it to 100% or can use 200% as you wish.

Now, try to use File Explorer, the issue of Windows 10 Explorer keeps crashing should be fixed.

Technique 5: Clean Windows Explorer History

Sometimes clearing Windows Explorer history can help fix Explorer keeps crashing on Windows 10.

1. Press Windows + S key altogether.
2. Next type folder options > select File Explorer Options.
3. Here, under the General tab, click on the Clear button next to “Clear File Explorer history.”
4. Click Apply > OK to save changes.

This technique should fix File Explorer keeps crashing on Windows 10. If the issue reappears, you’ll need to clear file history again.

If File Explorer is not working on Windows 10 read this guide.

Technique 6: Disable recent file and folder from Quick Access section

1. Press Windows + S key altogether.
2. Next type folder options > select File Explorer Options.
3. Click General tab here, under Privacy section look for Show recently used files in Quick access and Show frequently used folders in Quick access, options. Uncheck the box.
4. Click Apply > Ok.

This will help fix File Explorer not responding on Windows 10.

Technique 7: Instal latest Windows Update

If Windows Explorer keeps crashing or is not responding on Windows 10, try updating Windows. To learn how to update or keep your Windows PC up to date read this quick guide.

Technique 8: Disable preview panel

File Explorer not responding problem can occur due to preview pane. Therefore, to fix the problem you’ll need to disable preview pane. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Open File Explorer. Make sure preview pane option is not enabled
2. Next, click the View tab > Options.
3. In the new window that opens uncheck the box next to “Show preview handlers in preview pane.”
4. Click Apply > Ok.

This will help fix File Explorer not responding, and Windows Explorer keeps crashing on Windows 10 problem.

Technique 9: Set Windows Explorer to open This PC

Sometimes Quick Access makes File Explorer crash on Windows 10. Therefore to resolve this issue, we suggest changing File Explorer settings to open This PC. To do so, follow these steps below:

1. Press Windows + S key altogether.
2. Next type folder options > select File Explorer Options.
3. Under General tab, click on the down arrow next to “Open File Explorer to:”
4. Here, select This PC instead of Quick Access.
5. Click Apply > OK.

After making these changes, run File Explorer you should not face  Explorer keeps crashing or File Explorer not responding issue on Windows 10 now.

Technique 10: Update Graphics Driver

If none of the steps helped, try updating the graphics driver.  You can do it manually from Device Manager. But that would be a bit technical process. Hence, we suggest using a driver updating utility i.e. Advanced Driver Updater. Using this advanced tool, you can not only update the outdated driver but can also schedule a scan. Moreover, you can take a backup of the old drivers before updating them, so that if there’s a problem it can be restored.

This step will surely help fix File Explorer not responding problem on Windows 10. In addition to this, you can use Advanced Driver Updater to update other outdated drivers and fix the blue screen of death issues cause due to incompatible or out of date drivers.

Alternatively, if you are interested in Blue Screen of Death error, you can check out our guide on Stop 0x000000f4, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. We love to hear from you.