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Fix a Windows that has explorer that crashes

We'll restart Explorer, disable preview handlers, and fix Explorer when it crashes.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • ShellExView (optional, for shell extension check)
Step 1 of 3

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Steps

Goal: Stop Explorer from crashing.

Restart Explorer and disable preview

Goal: Quick fix and rule out preview.

  • Restart Explorer. Disable preview pane and thumbnails.
  • Good: Explorer stable. Bad: Check shell extensions.

Check shell extensions

Goal: Find faulty shell extension.

  • Use ShellExView to disable non-Microsoft extensions. Test after each.
  • Good: Culprit found. Bad: Run SFC, update drivers.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Explorer crashes in Safe Mode.
  • Consider Reset this PC.

Verification

  • Explorer opens and stays open.
  • No crash when opening folders or using preview.
  • Desktop and taskbar stable.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Restart and preview Restart Explorer; disable preview pane and thumbnails.
  2. Shell extensions Disable non-Microsoft extensions with ShellExView.
  3. SFC and drivers Run SFC, DISM; update graphics driver.
  4. Call a pro Crashes in Safe Mode; consider Reset.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • When does Explorer crash: opening folder, preview, right-click?
  • Shell extensions: any recently installed?
  • Safe Mode: does Explorer crash there?
  • Steps already tried

Does disabling preview fix Explorer?

Preview handlers often cause crashes.

View > uncheck Preview pane. View > Options > Always show icons, never thumbnails. Restart Explorer. Good: Explorer stable. Bad: check shell extensions.
Question

Explorer stable?

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You can change your answer later.

Does disabling shell extensions fix it?

Third-party shell extensions can crash Explorer.

Use ShellExView. Disable non-Microsoft extensions. Restart Explorer. Good: Explorer stable. Bad: run SFC, update drivers.
Question

Explorer stable?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Run SFC and update drivers

sfc /scannow. DISM /RestoreHealth. Update graphics driver. If still crashes in Safe Mode, consider Reset.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Explorer crash?
Shell extension, preview handler, corrupted folder view, or driver. Disable extensions and preview; update drivers.
Can I fix Explorer crashes myself?
Yes. Restart Explorer, disable preview, remove shell extensions. Use ShellExView to find problematic extensions.
When should I call a technician for Explorer?
If Explorer crashes in Safe Mode or after disabling all extensions, Windows may be corrupted. Consider Reset.

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