Windows Explorer crashing after update

2Method 2: Clear File Explorer history and cache

Use this method when Windows Explorer crashes specifically when opening Quick Access, browsing folders, or using the file search bar. Accumulated cache files or corrupted shortcut histories can prevent folders from loading properly after an update.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type control folders in the open text box and click OK or press Enter to open File Explorer Options.
3. In the File Explorer Options window, stay on the General tab and locate the Privacy section at the bottom.
4. Click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer history. The screen will pause for a second as cached file paths are purged.
5. Click Apply, then click OK at the bottom of the window to close settings.

3Method 3: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Illustration: the Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters page under Settings > System

Use this method if the crashes started right after a failed or incomplete update installation. This automated tool scans system update components, resets update caches, and resolves underlying platform glitches.

1. Click the Start menu button on your taskbar and select Settings, represented by the gear icon.
2. In the Settings window, select System from the left pane, then scroll down on the right pane and click Troubleshoot.
3. Click Other troubleshooters to view the list of available diagnostic utilities.
4. Locate Windows Update in the list and click the Run button next to it.
5. The troubleshooter window will display progress bars as it detects issues; follow any on-screen prompts and click Apply fix if a resolution is suggested.

4Method 4: System file check and repair

Warning: This method modifies protected system files to replace corrupted or missing operating system components with clean cached copies. Use this method if file navigation keeps crashing across all folders and administrative apps.

1. Click the search icon or search bar on your taskbar, type cmd, and look for Command Prompt in the search results.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt that appears.
3. In the Administrator Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the verification phase to reach 100 percent completion. The window will show scanning progress and display a message confirming whether repaired files were found.
5. Restart your computer after the scan finishes to ensure system changes take full effect.

5Method 5: Uninstall the recent update

Illustration: the Update history page under Windows Update

Use this method if Windows Explorer continues to crash after attempting system repairs and cache clearing. Roll back to the previous stable state while keeping your personal files and applications completely safe.

1. Open Settings by clicking the Start button and choosing the gear icon.
2. Select Windows Update from the left navigation sidebar.
3. Scroll down the main page and click Update history under the More options section.
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Uninstall updates under the Related settings header.
5. Find the most recently installed update at the top of the installed updates list and click Uninstall next to it. Confirm the action when prompted and allow the computer to restart.

If nothing worked

If Windows Explorer is still crashing repeatedly after trying all the methods above, you can perform a system recovery while keeping your files intact. Open Settings, navigate to System, and select Recovery. From the Recovery screen, click Reset PC under Recovery options, then select Keep my files to refresh core system components without erasing personal documents. Alternatively, open the Get Help app built into Windows to access official Microsoft support resources and guided diagnostic steps.