This article walks through simple troubleshooting steps—such as checking for updates, restarting your device, and resetting Windows—to help restore File Explorer and get it working again.

Run this sample PowerShell script on non-persistent OS installations. For non-persistent environments, a logon script approach remains the best option for IT administrators. Create a batch file wrapper to execute synchronously before Explorer launches.

Windows File Explorer helps you find, open, organize, and manage files and folders on your PC and in the cloud.

Some icons in My Computer, in Windows Explorer, on the desktop, or on the Quick Launch Bar change randomly. Troubleshoots and fixes common issues with file and folder operations in Windows.

When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, your operating system may begin to malfunction. Common symptoms include Windows features not working properly, system errors, or Windows becoming unresponsive or freezing.

However, the Explorer.exe process stops responding (hangs) when you open Windows Explorer. This problem occurs because of a code defect in MFC. A security update fixes this issue. To download the update, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Fixes an issue in which Windows Explorer may crash on a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. This issue usually occurs when you perform some operations that are related to the taskbar or to the Address bar.

Fixes a reliability issue in which the Explorer.exe process continuously crashes after the first instance in Windows Server Technical Preview or Windows 10 Technical Preview.

Fixes an issue in which the Explorer.exe process continuously crashes and restarts after you upgrade to Windows Server Technical Preview or Windows 10 Technical Preview.

Fixes an issue in which a heap buffer over-write causes the Explorer.exe process to crash in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2. This issue occurs when Windows is configured for many display paths.