Windows 11

File Explorer keeps crashing

The trigger can help distinguish a folder problem from a wider Explorer crash.

TRY THIS FIRST

Check whether one folder triggers it

Open a different local folder. Note whether the crash happens only with one location or file type.

Start with this check

Result: Use what you find to choose the next step.

Still not working?

If the crash is tied to a specific file or preview, follow the guide’s shell-extension and preview checks. For wider crashes, record the Application Error event before repairing Windows.

Check the result: Repeat the original task after making one relevant change. If the problem returns, keep the exact message and time.

More detail →

Sources & page details

Hanki's detailed guide · Reviewed 2026-09-26

Choose the entry that matches where the error appeared. A code alone does not identify every cause. Commands are copied for you to review; this page does not run them.