Problem Hub
Last updated:

How to Fix WINDOWS Explorer Keeps Crashing

Device: windows Code: explorer keeps crashing Read time: ~1 min

Share this guide or save it for later.

Meaning

This guide covers windows issue "explorer keeps crashing" with a staged diagnostic path and safe recovery steps.

Common Causes

  • Temporary state mismatch after partial updates.
  • Conflicting background service or cached artifacts.
  • Network, account sync, or permission constraints.

Quick Fix

Try these steps in order for explorer keeps crashing: - Restart Windows and retry the failing action. - Confirm system date/time is correct and you have stable connectivity. - Free at least a few GB of disk space, then retry. - Temporarily disable third‑party security tools and re-test the action.

Common Scenarios

  • Issue appears after an update or configuration change.
  • Failure repeats after restart when background services load.
  • Problem triggers only under specific network or permission conditions.
  • The issue appears right after a system update while applying package changes for explorer keeps crashing.
  • The error is triggered only for administrator actions and service startup flow on windows.
  • The failure repeats after reboot because dependency files are still locked by another process.

Advanced Fix

If quick steps did not resolve explorer keeps crashing: - Run System File Checker: sfc /scannow - Run DISM repair: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart and re-test after each integrity step. - If the issue started recently, review the last update/install window and roll back one change at a time. Verification: - Re-run the exact failing action twice after a fix (not just once). - If the problem disappears only temporarily, follow related links from the same cluster and compare symptoms. - Stop after the first step that fixes it and document the change.

User Reports

  • [MEDIUM] Resolved after clearing cached artifacts and restarting.
  • [MEDIUM] Stopped happening after disabling a conflicting background app/agent.
  • [LOW] windows user restored normal updates after running DISM and restart sequence.
  • [MEDIUM] Issue reproduced during install pipeline, then fixed after permissions reset for system folders.
  • [HIGH] Error cleared after disabling conflicting third-party service and re-running setup.

FAQ

What is the fastest fix for WINDOWS explorer keeps crashing?

Start with quick steps first, then apply advanced recovery only if the issue reproduces after restart.

What is the most common cause?

Most cases are caused by state drift after updates, cached artifacts, or connectivity and permission conflicts.

Should I reinstall?

Only as a last resort. Validate the quick and advanced steps and confirm the root cause before reinstalling.

How do I confirm it is fixed?

Repeat the exact failing workflow twice after applying a fix and monitor whether the symptom returns after restart.

What should I try next if it keeps happening?

Use related links from the same cluster to compare neighboring signatures and isolate the root condition chain.

Can I ignore explorer keeps crashing on windows?

No. Ignoring explorer keeps crashing can block updates or degrade system stability. Apply the quick fix first, then advanced steps if needed.

Common Fixes for 2024

Newly Reported Errors

Recent Trending

Recently Updated

Most Searched (Cluster)

Was This Helpful?

Your feedback helps us prioritize improvements.

Next Troubleshooting Steps

If the issue persists, continue with the most relevant adjacent guides below.

  1. How to Fix WINDOWS Network Discovery Is Turned Off
  2. How to Fix WINDOWS Shared Folder Access Denied
  3. How to Fix WINDOWS Cannot Access The Specified Device Path Or File
  4. How to Fix WINDOWS Administrator Permissions Required
  5. How to Fix WINDOWS Access Denied Error
  6. How to Fix WINDOWS This App Can't Open
  7. How to Fix WINDOWS High Memory Usage
  8. How to Fix WINDOWS High Cpu Usage