However, it’s not uncommon for Windows Explorer to occasionally stop responding, leading to frustration and reduced productivity. In this article, let’s delve deep into why Windows Explorer ends up in a situation where it keeps crashing, doesn’t respond to commands and take a look at steps to resolve it.
Why Does Windows Explorer Keep Not Responding?
Windows Explorer may become unresponsive for various reasons, ranging from software conflicts and outdated drivers to corrupted system files and insufficient system resources.
Heavy Resource Usage: Running multiple applications or large files can overload memory and system resources, causing Explorer to freeze.Software Conflicts: Third-party applications, especially those that rely on local storage, can interfere with Explorer’s operations.Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Drivers, particularly graphics drivers, that are outdated or corrupted are known to lead to display issues and Explorer crashes.System File Corruption: Critical system files that are damaged or missing can prevent Explorer from functioning correctly.Malware: Malicious software can disrupt normal operations and cause various system issues, including Explorer crashes.
READ MORE: How to Add Google Drive to Windows Explorer Sidebar? ➜
How to Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding
There are a variety of fixes you can try to resolve the Windows Explorer not responding issue.
1. Restart the Windows File Explorer
Restarting Windows File Explorer is one of the simplest fixes to try. Here’s how to do it:
↪ Method 1: via Task Manager
↪ Method 2: via Command Prompt
2. Clear Windows Explorer’s History:
If Windows Explorer frequently crashes on your PC, clearing its history can improve performance and potentially resolve issues. READ MORE: Windows 11 Constantly Crashing? – Try these fixes ➜
3. Free Up Space on Your Hard Drive
If you’re running low on storage, Windows may not have enough space to operate normally, leading to frequent crashes. Here’s how to use the Disk Cleanup utility to free up storage:
4. Update Graphics Driver
Many users on the forum have reported that a corrupted or outdated video driver might be causing issues with Windows Explorer. Here’s how you can update your graphics driver to the latest version.
Begin by opening Settings on your Windows PC. You can do this by quickly pressing the Windows + I keys on the keyboard or searching for the same in the Start Search Box.Alternatively, right-click on the Start icon and select Settings.On this page, click on Check for Updates and wait for Windows to search for any available updates. If you find an update available, click on Download and then Install the update.
READ MORE: How to update graphics driver in Windows? (AMD, Nvidia, Intel) ➜
5. Run a Malware Scan
Running a malware scan is essential to ensure the security and stability of your computer.
6. Boot Your System in Safe Mode
Booting your Windows machine in Safe Mode can help you isolate applications and determine if a specific application is causing issues or if it’s related to Windows itself. Here’s how to boot into Safe Mode:
7. Run System File Checker Scan
Running a Windows System File Checker scan can help identify and repair corrupted files, restoring the stability of the operating system. READ MORE: How to: Run SFC scan in Windows ➜
8. Restore Your Computer using System Restore
If a System Restore point is prepared, you can revert your system to a previous state, restoring all Windows files and settings. Here’s how to use System Restore to go back in time:
9. Reset Your PC
If none of the above solutions have worked, the last resort solution is to reset your PC. We recommend taking a complete computer backup before proceeding, as this process will delete all files and folders on the drive. READ MORE: Fix: File Explorer Slow, Lagging and Freezing in Windows 11 ➜
Conclusion
In conclusion, Windows Explorer crashes can be resolved by restarting it, clearing its history, freeing up hard drive space, updating video drivers, running malware scans, booting in Safe Mode, using System File Checker, or even performing a System Restore if necessary. As a last resort, you can reset your PC but always remember to back up your data before taking such a step. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and address Windows Explorer issues, ensuring a smoother and more productive computing experience.
