Effective Solutions to the ‘Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working’ Error- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Solve “Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working”

Windows Explorer is a crucial component of the Windows operating system, providing users with a graphical user interface to navigate through files, folders, and other system resources. However, sometimes users may encounter the frustrating message “Windows Explorer has stopped working.” This issue can be caused by various factors, such as corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or conflicts with third-party applications. In this article, we will discuss several effective methods to resolve this problem and get your Windows Explorer up and running smoothly again.

1. Restart your computer

The simplest solution to many computer-related issues is to restart your system. Sometimes, the problem may be temporary, and a restart can clear up any glitches that are causing Windows Explorer to crash. To restart your computer, press the Windows key + X, select “Restart,” and wait for your system to reboot.

2. Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run the SFC tool, follow these steps:

a. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
b. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
c. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the SFC tool will attempt to repair them automatically.

3. Update your graphics drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause Windows Explorer to crash. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:

a. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
b. Expand the “Display adapters” category and right-click on your graphics card.
c. Select “Update driver” and then “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
d. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

4. Run the DISM tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is another built-in Windows tool that can help fix corrupted system files. To run the DISM tool, follow these steps:

a. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
b. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type “dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth” and press Enter.
c. Wait for the scan to complete. If any issues are found, the DISM tool will attempt to fix them automatically.

5. Perform a clean boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing the problem. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

a. Press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig,” and press Enter.
b. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
c. Click “Disable all” to disable all non-Microsoft services.
d. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
e. In Task Manager, disable all startup items by right-clicking on each item and selecting “Disable.”
f. Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
g. Restart your computer and check if Windows Explorer is working correctly.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Windows Explorer has stopped working” issue and restore the functionality of your Windows Explorer. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician.