Fix ‘Explorer.exe’ Crashes During Large File Transfers in Windows 11/10

Are you trying to copy a large folder, transfer a huge video file, or move hundreds of files between drives when suddenly File Explorer stops responding or crashes?

The problem can occur in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Sometimes File Explorer freezes for a few seconds before restarting. In other cases, the desktop disappears temporarily, the copy operation fails, or you see an error saying that Windows Explorer has stopped working.

Several things can cause this behavior, including corrupted system files, outdated storage drivers, damaged file system structures, insufficient disk space, problematic thumbnail generation, and third-party shell extensions.

In this guide, I’ll walk through the most effective ways to fix Explorer.exe crashes during large file transfers.

Fix ‘Explorer.exe’ Crashes During Large File Transfers

To fix Explorer.exe crashes during large file transfers in Windows 11/10, restart File Explorer, check your storage drives, disable unnecessary thumbnail previews, update storage drivers, repair corrupted system files, and check for problematic third-party applications.

Start with the simpler solutions and move toward advanced troubleshooting if the problem continues. 

Note: Before trying major repairs, make sure important files are backed up.

1: Restart File Explorer

Sometimes, File Explorer crashes because its process becomes unresponsive while handling a large copy or move operation. Restarting it can clear a temporary issue without restarting your entire computer.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If you see the simplified Task Manager window, click More details.

Under the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer. Right-click it and select Restart.

Your taskbar, desktop icons, and File Explorer windows may disappear briefly. Don’t worry. Windows should automatically reload them.

If File Explorer doesn’t restart automatically, open Task Manager, select Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.

Try transferring your files again. If Explorer crashes repeatedly, continue with the next method.

2: Check Your Hard Drive or External Storage

A damaged USB drive, failing external hard drive, or file system error can interrupt large file transfers and cause File Explorer to become unresponsive.

First, check whether the problem happens with every drive or only one particular storage device.

Connect your external drive and open File Explorer > This PC. Check the available storage space on both the source and destination drives.

Make sure the destination has enough free space for the files you’re transferring. If you’re copying a 50 GB folder, for example, the destination should have more than 50 GB available.

Next, check the drive for file system errors. Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:

chkdsk D: /f

Replace D: with the actual drive letter of your external or internal drive.

Press Enter and allow Windows to check and repair file system errors. If Windows asks to schedule the check for the next restart, follow the prompt if you’re checking a drive that is currently in use.

Back up important files before attempting repairs, particularly if the drive is making unusual noises, disconnecting, or showing signs of physical failure.

3: Disable Thumbnail Previews

Windows generates thumbnails to show previews of images and videos in File Explorer. When you’re transferring a folder containing thousands of photos or large video files, thumbnail generation can add extra work.

Disabling thumbnails temporarily may help determine whether previews are contributing to the crashes.

Press Windows + S, search for File Explorer Options, and open it.

In the File Explorer Options window, select the View tab. Find the option labeled Always show icons, never thumbnails.

Check the box, then click Apply and OK.

Now reopen File Explorer and try transferring the same files.

If the transfer completes without crashing, thumbnail generation may have been contributing to the problem. 

You can leave this setting enabled or turn it off later if you prefer seeing image previews.

4: Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer maintains a history of recently accessed files, folders, and locations. Occasionally, corrupted or problematic history information can contribute to Explorer-related issues.

To clear it, open File Explorer Options using Windows Search.

Under the General tab, locate the Privacy section. Click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.

You can also temporarily change the Open File Explorer to setting from Home or Quick access to This PC.

Click Apply and OK.

Restart File Explorer and test your file transfer again.

This won’t delete your personal files or folders. It simply clears File Explorer’s recent activity history and changes its starting location.

5: Update Your Storage and Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause problems when Windows communicates with storage devices and other hardware.

Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.

Expand Disk drives to see your installed storage devices. Right-click the relevant drive and select Update driver if an appropriate update is available.

You can also expand Storage controllers and check the drivers listed there.

If you’re transferring files to an external USB drive, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers and check for driver issues.

For graphics-related problems, expand Display adapters and check whether your graphics driver needs an update.

Windows may not always find the newest drivers automatically. For better compatibility, check the official support website of your computer or hardware manufacturer.

Install the appropriate drivers and restart your PC. Then test the large file transfer again.

Avoid uninstalling storage controller drivers without knowing how your system is configured. 

Removing an essential driver can cause additional startup or storage problems.

6: Repair Corrupted Windows System Files

If Explorer.exe continues crashing, damaged Windows system files could be responsible.

Microsoft provides two useful repair tools: DISM and System File Checker (SFC). They can scan and repair Windows components that may be causing system instability.

Press Windows + S, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

First, enter this command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter and wait for the operation to complete. It may take several minutes.

Once DISM finishes successfully, run:

sfc /scannow

Press Enter and allow the scan to reach 100%. Don’t close Command Prompt while the scan is running.

Windows will report whether it found corrupted files and whether they were repaired.

After completing both operations, restart your computer and try copying the large files again.

7: Disable Problematic Third-Party Shell Extensions

Some applications add options to File Explorer’s right-click menu or integrate themselves into Windows. These additions are called shell extensions.

For example, compression utilities, cloud storage applications, antivirus programs, and media tools may add File Explorer integrations.

If one of these extensions is outdated or malfunctioning, it can cause Explorer.exe to crash when you copy, move, or access certain files.

Start by temporarily exiting third-party applications that integrate with File Explorer, particularly recently installed utilities.

If the problem continues, perform a clean boot to check whether a third-party background application or service is responsible.

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

Open the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. This is important because you shouldn’t accidentally disable essential Microsoft services.

Click Disable all, then open the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.

Disable nonessential startup applications and restart your computer.

Try transferring the same files. If Explorer works normally, a third-party application or service may be responsible. Re-enable items gradually to identify the culprit.

After testing, restore your normal startup configuration.

8: Install the Latest Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates that address bugs, improve compatibility, and fix system stability problems.

If your Windows installation is outdated, installing available updates may help resolve Explorer.exe crashes.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.

In Windows 11, select Windows Update from the left panel. In Windows 10, navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available updates.

Install the applicable updates and restart your computer if required.

You should also check the Optional updates section for relevant driver updates, although you don’t need to install every optional driver.

After restarting, test the large file transfer again.

9: Use Robocopy to Transfer Large Files

If File Explorer continues crashing even after troubleshooting, you can use Robocopy, a Windows command-line utility, as an alternative for copying files.

It can be particularly useful when transferring large files or folders because it supports features such as unbuffered I/O.

Open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Enter the following command:

robocopy “C:\Source” “D:\Backup” /E /J /R:2 /W:5

Replace C:\Source with your actual source folder and D:\Backup with your destination folder.

The /E option copies subfolders, including empty ones. The /J option uses unbuffered I/O, which can be useful for large files. /R:2 limits retries to two attempts, while /W:5 sets a five-second wait between retries.

Press Enter and let the transfer finish.

Make sure your source and destination paths are correct before running the command. 

Robocopy copies files rather than deleting the originals, so it provides a useful alternative when File Explorer is unreliable.

FAQs

1. Why does Explorer.exe crash when copying large files?

Common causes include outdated storage drivers, corrupted Windows files, problematic shell extensions, disk errors, and insufficient destination storage. Thumbnail generation and third-party applications may also contribute.

2. Will restarting Windows Explorer delete my files?

No. Restarting the Windows Explorer process doesn’t delete your personal files. However, an interrupted copy operation may leave an incomplete file at the destination, so check the transferred data before deleting the original.

3. Why does File Explorer crash when transferring files to a USB drive?

This can happen because of USB connection problems, file system errors, insufficient storage, incompatible drivers, or a failing USB drive. Try another USB port and cable, check the drive for errors, and test a smaller transfer.

4. Can antivirus software cause Explorer.exe to crash?

Yes, certain security applications can interfere with file operations. Temporarily troubleshoot third-party security software only when necessary, and don’t leave your computer unprotected. Check for software updates or contact the vendor if the issue continues.

5. Is Robocopy better than File Explorer for large file transfers?

Robocopy provides additional copying options, including unbuffered I/O, retry controls, and folder synchronization features. It can be a useful alternative when File Explorer struggles with large transfers, but it doesn’t automatically fix an underlying hardware or disk problem.

Summary

Explorer.exe crashes during large file transfers can result from several issues, including corrupted system files, outdated drivers, disk errors, thumbnail generation, and third-party software conflicts.

Start by restarting File Explorer, checking your storage devices, and disabling thumbnail previews. If the problem continues, update your drivers, clear File Explorer history, and run DISM and SFC scans.

You can also perform a clean boot to identify conflicting applications or use Robocopy as an alternative for transferring large files.

If File Explorer continues crashing on a particular drive, pay close attention to its health and back up your important data.