What to Do When explorer.exe Stops Working
When you encounter the issue of explorer.exe stopping working, it can be quite frustrating as it affects your ability to navigate through your computer’s files and folders. Explorer.exe is a crucial system process that manages the graphical user interface of Windows, including the desktop, taskbar, and start menu. If it crashes or stops responding, it can disrupt your workflow and productivity. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of this issue and provide you with several effective solutions to resolve it.
Identifying the Cause
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of explorer.exe not working. Here are some common reasons:
1. Corrupted system files: Missing or damaged system files can lead to explorer.exe crashing.
2. Malware infection: Malicious software can interfere with the normal operation of explorer.exe.
3. Outdated or incompatible drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers for your hardware can cause conflicts with explorer.exe.
4. Overheating: Overheating of your computer can lead to system instability, including explorer.exe crashing.
5. Hardware issues: Faulty hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or RAM, can cause explorer.exe to stop working.
Solutions to Fix explorer.exe Not Working
Now that you know the possible causes, let’s explore the solutions to fix explorer.exe not working:
1. Run System File Checker (SFC):
– Press Windows key + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
– Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
– Wait for the process to complete and follow any instructions provided.
2. Run DISM Tool:
– Open Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
– Type `dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth` and press Enter.
– Wait for the process to complete and follow any instructions provided.
3. Update drivers:
– Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”.
– Expand the categories and right-click on the device with outdated drivers.
– Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Check for malware:
– Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your computer for infections.
– Remove any detected threats and restart your computer.
5. Perform a clean boot:
– Press Windows key + R, type `msconfig`, and press Enter.
– Go to the “Services” tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box, and click “Disable all”.
– Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
– Disable all startup items and restart your computer.
6. Reset Windows:
– Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
– Go to “Update & Security” > “Recovery”.
– Under “Reset this PC”, click “Get started”.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your computer.
7. Reinstall Windows:
– If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Windows. Back up your important files before proceeding.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of explorer.exe not working on your Windows computer. Remember to regularly update your system and drivers to prevent such issues in the future.
