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File Explorer Keeps Crashing in Windows 11

By Iikka Isosaari · Windows 11 · Updated September 26, 2026

File Explorer is deeply integrated into the Windows desktop.

When it repeatedly crashes, several causes are possible.

Before repair commands: save your work, keep a backup of important files, and use Terminal or Command Prompt as Administrator. These commands change Windows files; they are not read-only diagnostics. /Online targets the Windows installation currently running, not an offline installation in recovery.

Restart Explorer

Open Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer.

If the issue immediately returns, continue troubleshooting.

Note Which Folder Causes It

If Explorer crashes only when opening one folder, investigate that folder.

Possible causes include:

• corrupted media files
• thumbnail generation
• unavailable network locations
• unusual shell extensions

Disable Preview Pane Temporarily

Large or damaged files can sometimes cause preview handlers to fail.

Disable the preview pane and test again.

Repair Windows

Run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

followed by:

sfc /scannow

Consider Third-Party Shell Extensions

Applications can add items to Explorer's right-click menus.

A faulty shell extension can make Explorer unstable.

If the crashes started after installing new software, that software is worth investigating.

If Start Is Unavailable

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Use Run new task, enter cmd, and select the administrator-privileges option when opening a terminal for repair commands. Save work before restarting Explorer or Windows; Explorer restarts can interrupt file operations.

References

• Microsoft: DISM and System File Checker