Does your File Explorer crash from time to time? We have received several reports from our users regarding this issue. Apparently, when the user right-clicks on a folder or file, File Explorer crashes or crashes. The same is true when searching in File Explorer. This is a very annoying error and it seems to occur every few minutes. The problem was already present in Windows 7, but now it has started to irritate Windows 8 and Windows 10 users as well. Why is this happening? Well, there are several reasons that could be causing this problem. But don't worry, we will try to fix this by going through all possible reasons and fixing them.
To solve the problem, we will follow many methods. Any of these methods might work for you. So you may need to try them all. Just go through the methods one by one, until the problem is solved.
# 1 - Clear File Explorer History
Clearing File Explorer history seems to work for many users as well. Follow the steps to do this.
Step 1. Go to Cortana and type Control Panel. Please select Control Panel From Results.
Step 2. Click the search box at the top right. Write procedure in that. Now look for File Explorer Options in the results. Click on it.
Step 3. Under Privacy, you will find an Obviously button file. Click on it. Now click Apply and then in okay.
See if this solved the problem for you or not. If not, move on to the next method.
# 2 - Run netsh winsock recovery commands at the command prompt
In this method, we will restore the default Winsock catalog settings. You simply have to run your command from the command prompt. Follow the steps to do this.
Step 1. Go to Cortana and type I send. Right-click on System Symbol in the results and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. Now in the command prompt window, type the following command. Don't forget to press Enter after typing the command.
netsh winsock reset
Step 3. Restart your computer.
Check if this method solved the problem. If File Explorer keeps crashing and crashes when you right-click a file or search for a file name, try the next method.
# 3 - Copy / Paste Explorer.exe
This method worked for many users to solve the problem. Most of these users were using Windows 7 on their computer. In this method, you simply need to copy explorer.exe file from windows folder and paste to System32 binder. Here's how to do it.
Step 1. Open File Explorer and follow the path C: Windows. Find the file explorer.exe here. Since right-clicking causes File Explorer to crash, do not right-click the file. Just select the file and press control + C. This will copy the file.
Final report: Do not press Control + X or Cut the file. Deleting the explorer.exe file from the Windows folder can cause more complex problems for your computer.
Step 3. Now go to System32 folder and press Control + V to paste the file.
The problem should be solved now. If this method didn't work for you and you're still having issues with File Explorer, then follow the method below.
# 4 - Grant full permissions to your account to access the contents of the folder
In this method, we will give your account full permissions to access the contents of the folder. Follow the steps mentioned below to do that.
Step 1. Opened File Browser. Right-click on a folder (any folder) and select Properties.
Step 2. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
Step 3. Click on Edit button. It is located next to Owner Name.
Step 4. Enter your user account name in the area specified on the pop-up window screen. Click on okay then.
Final report: Many people are unsure of their account name. To find your account name, don't type anything in the pop-up window and just click Advanced. This will open a new pop-up window. Click here Find Now. Find your account name in the search results, select it and click ok.
Step 5. The last step will take you back to Advanced Security Settings. Here, you have to check the box next to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects. Click is fine.
Step 6. Now, you will need to right-click on the folder you wish to grant full access to your account. Please select Properties.
Step 7. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
Step 8. In the Advanced Security Settings window, click Insert.
Step 9. Now click Select a Director. Here, enter your account name, as we entered it in step 4. Click OK.
Step 10. After selecting the main, you need to configure Write to allow. Now check all the boxes or just check the box next to Full Control under Basic Permissions. Click is fine here and in all other open windows.
This should fix the File Explorer freezing and freezing issue. If you have any questions or if you were able to fix this error using another method, be sure to mention it below in the comments.
5. Disable thumbnails
Disabling thumbnails may solve the problem. Follow the steps mentioned below to do that.
Step 1. Go to Cortana and type Control Panel. Please select Control Panel From Results.
Step 2. Click the search box at the top right. Write procedure in that. Click on File Explorer Options.
Step 3. In the View tab under Advanced Settings, check the box next to Always show icons, never thumbnails. After that, click on Apply and then in okay.
Check if File Explorer still crashes and crashes. If so, follow the next method.
6. Start the folder windows in a separate process
Follow the steps to start the folder windows in the separate process.
Step 1. Go to Cortana and type Control Panel. Please select Control Panel From Results.
Step 2. Click the search box at the top right. Write procedure in that. Now look for File Explorer Options in the results. Click on it.
Step 3. Go to the View tab and look for Launch folder windows in a separate process under Advanced Settings. Check the box next to it, click Apply and then in okay.
This should fix the problem. If not, try the next method.
7. Check for updates
First, you'll need to make sure your computer's Windows is up to date. When your computer hasn't been updated for a while, it starts having problems. Keeping your computer up to date keeps it free from new errors. So, check for updates and if there are any pending updates, install them. Here's how to do it.
Step 1. Right-click the Start button or Windows logo and select Settings.
Step 2. Go to Update and Security.
Step 3. Click Check for Updates.
Step 4. If there are any pending updates, click Download Y Install them on pc.
After doing this method, check if File Explorer continues to cause problems. If it still crashes and / or crashes, try the next method.
8. Scan for malicious software and remove unwanted programs
With this method, we will check your computer for malware and remove unwanted pre-installed programs. Malware can enter your computer while downloading from untrusted sources or websites. Therefore, we will scan your computer for viruses and malware. Also, you need to remove unwanted pre-installed programs from your computer. Sometimes these free programs can interfere with system file processes, which can lead to File Explorer crashes. Therefore, before starting the malware scan, uninstall the unnecessary free programs pre-installed from your computer. When you're done removing them, follow these steps to scan your computer for malware.
Step 1. Go to Cortana and type in Windows Defender and select Windows Defender Security Center From the results.
Step 2. On the left side, select the shield icon. This will open the Eyelash Virus and Threat Protection file.
Step 3. Click on Scan Now. This will start the scanning process. Let the scan complete.
Step 4. When the malware scan is complete, if there is any malware on your computer, Windows Defender will show it to you. Eliminate or quarantine them.
This should probably fix the problem for you. If not, try the next method.
