Exploring the Causes Behind the Frustrating Explorer.exe Crashes- Why Does It Happen-
Why does explorer.exe crash? This is a common issue faced by many Windows users, and it can be quite frustrating when your computer’s file explorer suddenly stops working. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this crash and provide some solutions to help you fix it.
Explorer.exe is a critical system process that is responsible for managing the graphical user interface of the Windows operating system. It handles tasks such as displaying the desktop, managing windows, and showing file and folder icons. When explorer.exe crashes, it can lead to a loss of functionality, and in some cases, it can even cause your computer to become unresponsive.
There are several reasons why explorer.exe might crash. One of the most common causes is a corrupted or outdated system file. Windows relies on a set of system files to function properly, and if any of these files become corrupted or outdated, it can cause explorer.exe to crash. Another common cause is a third-party application that is interfering with the file explorer process. Sometimes, certain software can cause conflicts with the system, leading to crashes.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix explorer.exe crashes:
1.
Run System File Checker (SFC): This tool scans your system for corrupted or missing files and replaces them with a cached copy. To run SFC, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow”.
2.
Update your drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause explorer.exe to crash. Make sure all your drivers are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using a driver update tool.
3.
Uninstall recently installed software: If you recently installed a new program and noticed that explorer.exe started crashing, it might be the cause. Try uninstalling the software and see if the issue persists.
4.
Perform a clean boot: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the crash. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
– Press Windows Key + R, type “msconfig”, and press Enter.
– Go to the “Services” tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box, and click “Disable all”.
– Go to the “Startup” tab, click “Open Task Manager”, and disable all startup items.
– Restart your computer and check if explorer.exe crashes.
5.
Perform a system restore: If none of the above steps work, you can try performing a system restore to a point before the crash occurred. This will revert your system settings and files to a previous state.
In conclusion, explorer.exe crashes can be caused by various factors, including corrupted system files, outdated drivers, and conflicting third-party applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix explorer.exe crashes, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.