To open File Explorer in Windows 11, select File Explorer on the taskbar or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard. Here are some things to try if File Explorer won't open.

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.

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.

First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter. If you see the File Download box when you start downloading, select Run or Open. The troubleshooter provides steps for you to follow. If a program isn't listed in the uninstall options, you'll be asked for that program's product code.

If you check the Explorer.exe process in the Process Explorer utility, you find that the .exe file leaks a handle in the Explorer.exe process. A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article.

When a folder that contains corrupted .wav files is opened, Windows Explorer calls the Media Foundation (Mf.dll) function to extract metadata from the .wav files. However, the Mf.dll function enters an infinite loop when extracting the metadata. A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft.

Fixes an issue in which you receive an error message when you try to start Explorer.exe after you select the "Launch folder windows in a separate process" option on a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

Describes an issue in which you receive Application Error in the Explorer.exe process in Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2. This issue occurs when you right-click the Start tip to shut down or to restart the computer.

Outdated or corrupt video drivers can cause Windows Explorer to stop working. Downloading and installing the latest video driver can solve many of these issues. You can do this from using Windows Update or by visiting your system manufacturer’s website or by contacting them directly.

File Explorer in Windows 11 helps you get the files you need quickly and easily. To check it out in Windows 11, select it on the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard.