Resolve Windows 10 Explorer Crash: A Comprehensive Guide

If Windows 10 File Explorer crashes abruptly while you are trying to search for files, then it is indeed an annoying situation. Generally, the File Explorer tends to crash when a Windows 10 user uses the search function to locate folders or files. You can fix Windows 10 Explorer Crash issue by simply restarting the PC, but it will be a temporary fix. Because whenever you try to access the File Explorer more than once, then it crashes again. Basically, there is no exact cause for this issue. Fortunately, you can easily fix Windows 10 Explorer Crash issues. In this article, we are going to explain some effective ways to fix the crashing problem.

Fundamental Ways to Solve Windows 10 Explorer Crash Issue

If you are already facing the File Explorer crashes, then use the most fundamental ways to fix Windows 10 Explorer Crash, mentioned in this section.

Solution 1 – Run ‘netsh’ and ‘winsock’ Reset

This is the first step that you need to try. To perform this task, you have to select the Start button and then, type “cmd” in the search box.

1. Now, find the Command Prompt option from the list and right-click on it.
2. Then, you need to select the ‘Run as administrator’ option.
3. In the Administrator Command Prompt, type ‘netsh’ and press the Enter key.
4. After that, you have to again type ‘winsock’ and hit the Enter key.

Once you are done with the process, the crashing problem will get resolved.

Solution 2 – Access the Folder Content

If the previous method didn’t work out, then you have to try this method. In this method, at first, you have to launch the File Explorer and right-click the folder where the associated files are saved. After that, you have to select the Properties option.

1. Then, go to Security and click on Advanced option to continue.
2. Now, click on Change and then, in the new window, you have to select the Advanced option.
3. Then, you have to add a username. So, you need to type “Enter the object name to select“ in the field.
4. Now, if you select the Advanced option, a new window will open.
5. After that, click on ‘Find now’ to check all the users and groups on the PC.
6. Once done, you have to choose the group name from the list and click OK.

Now, you need to enable full access to the file folder. To perform this task, right-click on the folder and then, go to Properties. After that, you need to select the Security option and then, click on Edit. Finally, in Allow column, configure permissions to ‘Full control’ for your account and select the Apply option. Now, click OK to complete the process. In this way, you can resolve the problem. Still, if the problem arises, then you have to follow the next method as instructed.

Solution 3 – Change the File Explorer Options

This is another easy way out to resolve the Windows 10 crashing problem. In this step, at first, you have to press the Windows key and the S key at the same time and then, go to the Folder options.

1. After that, you have to select the ‘File Explorer’ options from the menu.
2. Then, you should navigate to the ‘View tab’.

Now, check the ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process’ option and select Apply and OK to end the process. After going through all the above steps, you need to check whether Windows 10 Explorer crash issue is resolved or not.

Solution 4 – Change the Text Size

If you are still getting the problem, then you have to follow this method. In some cases, you just need to change the text size to solve the issue. To do this, you need to press the Windows key and the I key at the same time to open the Settings app.

1. After that, you should navigate to the System section.
2. Now, find the ‘Scale and layout’ section.
3. Then, you have to set the font size to 100%.

After making the requisite changes, the issue will get resolved. If you are still getting the problem, then you need to try the next one.

Solution 5 – Clean File Explorer History

This is another important method that you need to try. In this step, at first, you have to hold down the Windows key and the S key togetherly to open the Folder option.

1. Then, choose the File Explorer options from the menu.
2. After that, the File Explorer options will open.
3. Now, you need to navigate to the Privacy section and click the Clear button.
4. After clicking, the file history will get eliminated and the problem will get resolved.

Solution 6 – Disable Displaying Recent Files and Folders in Quick Access

If you are still getting the problem, then you have to try this method.

1. In this step, at first, you have to open File Explorer options.
2. After that, locate the Privacy section and you need to disable the “Show recently used files in Quick access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick access” option. Now, click on Apply and OK to continue the process.

After performing the above steps, all the recent files and frequently used folders will not exist in the Quick Access section. Lastly, the problem must be resolved completely. If the problem still arises, then try the next method.

Solution 7 – Install the Latest Updates

This is another simple method that you need to try to fix the crashing problem.

1. In this step, firstly, you have to open the Settings app.
2. After that, go to ‘Update & security’ section.
3. Now, click on the ‘Check for updates’ button.

Once you are done with the process, Windows starts checking for available updates. If the latest updates are available, you have to download them all. After downloading, install them and finally, you have to restart your PC. Now, check whether the problem is resolved or not.  

Solution 8 – Disable Preview Pane and Preview Handlers

If the previous method didn’t work out, then you have to try this method.

1. To perform this task, you have to open any directory in the File Explorer.
2. After that, go to the View tab and then, you need to make sure that Preview pane option is not selected.
3. Now, open the View tab once again and select the Options button.

Once done, the ‘Folder Options’ window will open to you. Then, you have to go to the ‘View tab’ and uncheck ‘Show preview handlers in the preview pane’ option. After doing all these things click on Apply and OK to finish the process. In this way, you can fix Windows 10 Explorer crash issues without any hassle.

Solution 9 – Set File Explorer to Open this PC

This is another active method to solve the crashing problem. In this step, at first, open File Explorer options. When File Explorer window opens, you need to set ‘Open File Explorer’ to ‘This PC’ and select the Apply and OK option to save changes. Once done, you have to check whether the problem is completely resolved or not.

Solution 10 – Reinstall Graphics Card Driver

If the previous method doesn’t give an exact solution, then you can try this one. In this step, you have to press the Windows Key and the X key to open Device Manager.

1. After that, from the list of results, select the Device Manager.
2. Now, you have to locate the graphics card driver and right-click on it.
3. Once done, you have to select the Uninstall device from the menu.

After doing all the above steps, you need to check the ‘Delete the driver software for this device’ option and click on Uninstall. In this way, the problem will be resolved.

Solution 11 – Remove IDT Audio

If the problem still arises, then you have to try this method.

1. In this step, at first, open the Settings app and you have to go to the Apps section.
2. After that, a list of all installed apps will open.
3. Now, select the IDT Audio from the list and click on Remove option.

Once you are done with the process, you need to follow the on-screen instructions for removing the application. Finally, the problem will be resolved.

These are the main ways to fix the Windows 10 explorer crash. Hope, this article is very helpful to you. Still, if you are getting the problem, then we suggest you opt for an expert’s guidance.