Quick Access crashes File Explorer
First, restart Windows Explorer and see if the problem occurs again. To do so, follow the steps written below: If restarting Windows Explorer does not fix the problem, try the solutions provided below to resolve this issue. Let’s see all these fixes in detail.
1] Run appropriate troubleshooters
Troubleshooters are automated tools in Windows OS that help users fix different issues on their system. Because File Explorer is crashing every time you select a folder in Quick Access or right-click on folders, running the System Maintenance Troubleshooter can fix this problem.
If the System Maintenance Troubleshooter fails to fix the problem, you can run File and Folder Troubleshooter. The File and Folder Troubleshooter will help you fix Explorer problems.
2] Repair corrupt system image files
If the system image files of your system are corrupted, you will experience several kinds of issues like this one. We suggest you run the System File Checker utility to repair the corrupted system files. Running this tool is easy, You just have to execute the following command in the Administrator Command Prompt.
3] Clear File Explorer history
A lot of users have confirmed that clearing the File Explorer history fixed their problem. You should also try this. This action will also delete your recent items from Quick Access. The steps to do that are provided below:
This should fix the issue. If not, try the next potential fix.
4] Open File Explorer to This PC
Change your File Explorer settings. Make it open to This PC instead of Quick Access. The following instructions will help you with that.
6] Uncheck Privacy Options in File Explorer
You have cleared File Explorer history but with time, it will again start displaying the recently opened folders in Quick Access. To stop Quick Access from displaying recently opened files and folders, uncheck Privacy Options in File Explorer. The steps to do that are as follows:
6] Update or reinstall your display driver
Sometimes, a corrupted display driver also causes problems. Open the Optional Updates page in Windows Update and see if an update for your display driver is available there or not. If yes, install the update. If the update is not available there or if updating the display driver does not fix the problem, uninstalling and reinstalling it can help. Follow the steps below:
Now, check if the problem persists.
7] Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state
If the problem still persists, there might be a startup app causing the problem. To check this, troubleshoot your system in a Clean Boot state. When you start your system in a Clean Boot state, all the startup programs remain disabled except the essential services and apps. Now, open the File Explorer and see if it crashes in the Clean Boot state. If not, you have to identify the problematic startup app. To identify the culprit program, enable some of the disabled programs and start your system in normal mode. See if the File Explorer crashes. If yes, one of the enabled startup apps is the culprit. Now, disable one of the startup apps and check if the problem disappears. repeat this process until you find the problematic app. Once you find it, uninstall it.
8] Repair Windows using Installation Media
If none of the above solutions fixed the problem, repair Windows using Installation Media.
Why does my File Explorer keep crashing?
There could be many reasons why your File Explorer keeps crashing or freezing like corrupted display drivers, corrupted system files, RAM issues, a conflicting startup app, etc. To fix this issue, you can try running an SFC scan, updating display drivers, troubleshooting your system in a Clean Boot state, etc.
How do I reset Quick Access?
You can reset Quick Access by tweaking your Windows Registry. Before you proceed, we recommend you create a System Restore Point. System Restore will help you restore your system to the previous working state if any problem occurs. Hope this helps.
