How to Fix “Explorer Has Stopped Working”
Have you ever encountered the frustrating message “Explorer Has Stopped Working” on your Windows computer? This error can disrupt your workflow and leave you feeling helpless. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many Windows users face this issue at some point. In this article, we will guide you through various methods to fix the “Explorer Has Stopped Working” error and get your computer running smoothly again.
1. Restart Your Computer
The simplest solution to many computer problems is to restart your device. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the “Explorer Has Stopped Working” error. To do this, click on the Start button, select “Restart,” and wait for your computer to reboot.
2. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will automatically repair them.
3. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause the “Explorer Has Stopped Working” error. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Display adapters” category and right-click on your graphics card.
3. Select “Update driver” and choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
4. Run the DISM Tool
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help fix corrupted system files and improve system performance. To run DISM, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. Type “dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any issues are found, DISM will attempt to fix them.
5. 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 “Explorer Has Stopped Working” error. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig,” and press Enter.
2. Go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
3. Click “Disable all” and then go to the “Startup” tab.
4. Click “Open Task Manager” and disable all startup items.
5. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.
6. Reinstall Windows Explorer
If none of the above methods work, you can try reinstalling Windows Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. Type “net stop explorer” and press Enter.
3. Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter to start Windows Explorer.
4. Type “net start explorer” and press Enter to restart Windows Explorer.
Conclusion
The “Explorer Has Stopped Working” error can be a nuisance, but with these methods, you can fix the issue and get back to your work. Remember to back up your important files before attempting any repair methods. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional help from a Windows expert.
