How to Repair the File Explorer in Windows 11? Easy Steps
File Explorer, one of the most essential parts of Windows 11, allows users to access files, folders, drives, and system locations quickly. In a few moments, File Explorer stops working properly, crashes frequently, freezes, or fails to open, which can interrupt daily tasks and reduce productivity. The problem can occur due to corrupted system files, outdated Windows updates, faulty cache data, or incorrect settings. Sometimes third-party apps or extensions also interfere with normal operation. Repairing File Explorer involves identifying the root cause and applying the appropriate fix.
This guide explains how to repair File Explorer in Windows 11 using easy steps, so that you can understand and resolve the issue with it easily!
How to Repair the File Explorer in Windows 11?
To repair File Explorer in Windows 11, restart File Explorer from Task Manager, clear File Explorer cache, run System File Checker, update Windows, and reset File Explorer settings. These built-in solutions help fix crashes, freezes, and performance issues quickly.
By following the steps below carefully, you can repair File Explorer and prevent future issues.
Step 1. Restart File Explorer from Task Manager
Restarting File Explorer is often the quickest way to fix minor glitches and temporary freezes. This process refreshes the File Explorer interface and resolves unresponsive behavior.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager. If Task Manager opens in compact view, click on More details to expand it. Scroll through the list of running processes until you find Windows Explorer.
Click on Windows Explorer to select it. After selecting it, click the Restart button located at the bottom right corner of Task Manager. The screen may flicker for a moment, and the taskbar may disappear and reappear. This is normal.
Once the process restarts, open File Explorer again and check if the issue has been resolved. If File Explorer continues to crash or freeze, move to the next step.
Step 2. Clear File Explorer Cache and History
File Explorer stores cache and recent history to provide quick access to frequently used files and folders. Over time, this cache can become corrupted and cause File Explorer to behave unexpectedly.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type control folders and press Enter to open File Explorer Options. In the General tab, locate the Privacy section at the bottom.
Click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history. This will remove recent file and folder records that may be causing issues. After clearing the history, click Apply and then click OK.
Close File Explorer completely and reopen it. Clearing the cache often resolves slow performance and crashing problems. If the issue persists, continue to the next method.
Step 3. Run System File Checker Scan
Corrupted system files can cause File Explorer to malfunction. Running the System File Checker scan helps detect and repair damaged system files automatically.
Click on the Start menu and search for Command Prompt. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. This will open an elevated command window.
Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter. The scan will begin and may take several minutes to complete. Do not close the window during the scanning process.
Once the scan is finished, the system will display a message indicating whether any corrupted files were found and repaired. Restart your computer after the scan completes. Open File Explorer again to check if the problem is fixed.
Step 4. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version
Outdated Windows versions often contain bugs that can affect File Explorer performance. Installing the latest updates ensures that your system receives bug fixes and performance improvements from Microsoft.
Click on the Start menu and open Settings. Navigate to Windows Update from the left panel. Click on Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available updates.
If updates are available, click Download and Install. Wait for the installation process to complete and restart your computer if required. After updating, open File Explorer and verify if the issue has been resolved.
Regular updates help maintain system stability and prevent future File Explorer errors.
Step 5. Restart Windows Search Service
File Explorer depends on the Windows Search service for indexing and search functionality. If this service stops working, File Explorer may freeze or fail to respond.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter. In the Services window, scroll down and locate Windows Search.
Right-click on Windows Search and select Restart. Wait for the service to restart completely. Close the Services window and open File Explorer to check if the issue is resolved.
Restarting this service often fixes slow search results and unresponsive folders in File Explorer.
Step 6. Run DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image
If the System File Checker does not fix the problem, running the DISM tool can repair the Windows system image and resolve deeper issues.
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. The process will start and may take several minutes.
Do not interrupt the process while it is running. Once completed, restart your computer and check File Explorer functionality. This method repairs the Windows image and ensures all components work correctly.
Step 7. Reset File Explorer Settings to Default
Incorrect settings can cause File Explorer to behave unexpectedly. Resetting File Explorer settings restores them to default values.
Open File Explorer Options by typing control folders in the Run dialog box. Go to the General tab and click Restore Defaults. Switch to the View tab and click Restore Defaults again.
Click Apply and then click OK. Close all File Explorer windows and reopen them. Resetting settings can resolve display issues and navigation errors.
Step 8. Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes, third-party software or background applications interfere with File Explorer. Performing a clean boot helps identify such conflicts.
Press Windows + R and type msconfig. Press Enter to open System Configuration. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. Click Disable all.
Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup applications one by one. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration. Restart your computer.
After the restart, open File Explorer and check if it works properly. If the issue is resolved, enable services and startup apps gradually to identify the problematic program.
Step 9. Create a New User Account
A corrupted user profile can also cause File Explorer errors. Creating a new user account helps determine if the issue is profile related.
Open Settings and go to Accounts. Click on Family and other users. Select Add account and follow the instructions to create a new local account.
Sign out of your current account and log in with the new account. Open File Explorer and check its performance. If File Explorer works properly in the new account, the issue may be related to your original user profile.
FAQs
Why does File Explorer keep crashing in Windows 11?
File Explorer may crash due to corrupted system files, outdated updates, or faulty cache data. Running system repair tools and clearing the cache usually fixes the issue.
How do I restart File Explorer quickly?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select Windows Explorer and click Restart to refresh File Explorer instantly.
Can updating Windows fix File Explorer problems?
Yes, installing the latest Windows updates often resolves File Explorer bugs and improves performance by applying official fixes.
Is it safe to reset File Explorer settings?
Resetting File Explorer settings is completely safe. It restores the default configuration and can fix display and navigation issues.
What should I do if none of the methods work?
If File Explorer still does not work, consider performing a system restore or resetting Windows 11 while keeping your files.