Out of all the issues that trouble a Windows 10 user, Windows Explorer not working on Windows 10 is pretty common. It gets much more annoying if the problem occurs in the middle of your work. Have you ever received such an error while surfing the internet or while playing online computer games? If so, then follow the article to resolve your issue. In this content, we will provide you step by step instruction so that you can easily get a positive result.
Know Why Windows Explorer Has Stopped Working
Microsoft releases its patches regularly. However, many of us fail to update them on-time.
Hence, those people are more vulnerable to these kinds of errors.
Reason 1: Outdated Security
The absence of a robust antivirus software can lead you to encounter this issue frequently. Without a good antivirus software, your system is likely to get infected by a virus or trojan, resulting in such type of errors.
Reason 2: Corrupt Device Driver
Damaged device drivers and especially video drivers are also one of the causes behind this error. You need to check the device drivers almost every month and if found corrupted, then get a new device driver immediately.
Reason 3: Outdated Drivers
Check if your device drivers have expired or not. Update them without any further delay.
Reason 4: A Particular Software Or Game
A specific game or application can also be the reason why Windows Explorer has stopped working or why Windows Explorer keeps crashing. Avoid using high-end applications and playing large-sized games in your system.
Efficient Hacks To Fix Windows Explorer Not Responding
We have listed below the best possible solutions to your problem. Follow the solutions and resolve the issue in a short amount of time.
Solution 1: Scan Your System
Make it a habit of scanning your system every week and try to avoid any unknown websites and emails. If you do not have a good antivirus, then buy one as soon as possible. Windows Operating System also provides its users with an inbuilt antivirus in Windows Defender. Use it to scan your computer and prevent computer viruses from entering into the system.
Solution 2: Remove Unwanted Registry Files
Unwanted Windows Registry files can conflict with Windows Explorer and result in such anomalies.
- Go to Start and type regedit in the search bar.
- Hit regedit.exe and select yes if prompted. Expand shellex option present under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
- Again, expand the ContextMenuHandlers and remove the keys 7-zip, winrar, winrar32, WinZip, Daemon.
- Also, do not forget to remove other unwanted third-party software keys as well.
- Restart your system after following these instructions.
Solution 3: Remove Unwanted Entries From Startup
- Start the device in Safe Mode and then open the Run dialog box.
- Type MSCONFIG in there and click OK.
- In the System Configuration tab, uncheck the unknown Msconfigs. Click on OK.
Solution 4: Remove Unwanted Services
- Hold the Windows and R keys together.
- Once the Run dialog box appears, type MSCONFIG in there and select OK.
- The System Configuration Utility window pops up.
- Now, under the msconfig window, tap on the Services tab.
- Here, select the Hide Windows Services. Similarly, un-check the unwanted services and click OK.
Solution 5: Install The Latest Windows Update
Corrupted drivers are also a prominent reason why Windows Explorer keeps crashing. So update them as soon as possible.
Update the latest device drivers and also make sure to get all security updates. You can update the Operating System either manually or automatically.
Updating the OS fixes many bugs and gives your system an extra layer of security.
Solution 6: Remove Conflicting .dll Files
If the above solutions do not solve your issue, then it means that the .dll or .exe files are conflicting with the explorer.exe files.
- Open the Device Manager, and the System Management Window appears. Expand the Event Viewer option.
- Expand the option of the Windows Logs on the event viewer. Next, select the Application.
- Navigate down and find an error like a red cross against the explorer.exe. Double-click on the same and check if you find an error like “windows explorer has stopped working.” Search the .dll file and the related executable files.
- Repair the particular .dll and the .exe file. Remember not to delete the file because it can also be a system file and if you remove it from your system, then it may cause system failure.
Solution 7: Change Your Random Access Memory(RAM)
Replace the RAM in your system with a new one and see if this resolves your issue. Use this as your last resort if none of the above procedures worked for you.
Hopefully, following the steps that are given in this article will help you resolve the issue. However, you need to keep in mind that these procedures require some technical knowledge. Therefore, be very careful while you apply the solutions on your own.
