Windows Explorer is an important component in providing smooth user experience on desktop and laptop. But on Windows 7, Windows 10, 8, 8.1, Vista and XP, users could run into problems related to it. The most common issue is Windows Explorer Keeps Restarting on PC Windows. Windows Explorer crashing loop causes it to restart automatically on repeat. Since it’s an important part of the overall Windows system, the operating system makes it enter restart loop automatically. But after starting, it crashes again. And this goes on over and over again as it keeps crashing and restarting on its own. On some devices, it may crash only when user tries to launch file explorer. So to find the solution to fix windows explorer keeps restarting problem, we tried several methods and found some of them working, see below. But first, here is a brief overview of the common reasons behind File Explorer Keeps Restarting and Crashing Loop issue.
There could be several reasons that may cause this issue. Most common being the incomplete install or uninstall of third-party applications or programs. Or, corrupt system file, especially explorer.exe, is another major source of this problem. Any incompatible or faulty third-party program, driver or service can be the reason for it. Virus attack is also among the main culprits. So, to get rid of this issue, make sure to address these common problems first.
Related: How To Enable Dark Theme For File Explorer On PC Windows 10
Table of Contents
How to Fix Windows Explorer Keeps Restarting on PC Windows
There are many methods available to fix windows explorer keeps restarting and crashing loop. We are going to look at them one by one in order of their complexity. So we will start with the easier solution followed by more technical ones until you manage to find the right method that works on your device.
Uninstall Recently Installed Program
First thing you should note is when you started encountering this issue on your device. What are the recent changes made to your PC. If the problem started surfing after you installed or uninstalled any program, try to remove it completely from your PC. In case of an antivirus, use dedicated uninstaller tool to uninstall it. Most antivirus come with built-in tools to remove them from your PC completely. I hope this fix windows explorer keeps restarting solution worked for you. Otherwise see the next one.
Disable Faulty Startup Program or Service
Incompatible startup items may cause explorer.exe to crash unexpectedly. So disable recently added or updated startup programs and services to see if its helps.
To Disable Startup Program on your Windows 10, 8 or 8.1 device: right-click on Taskbar and choose Task Manager. Then click on Startup tab and disable the program from the list. Users of earlier Windows OS can press Win + R keyboard shortcut and then type msconfig and hit enter. After that, click on startup and disable startup program.s
To Disable Startup Services on PC Windows: open RUN and type msconfig and hit enter. Click on services tab and then check Hide all Microsoft services. Next, disable recently added services.
Restart your computer once done to let the changes take effect.
Update Graphics Card Driver
Sometimes graphics card issue can render windows explorer unresponsive leading it to crash continuously. GPU issues could possibly create the restart loop of explorer.exe file. So update the graphics card to fix the problem.
Copy Explorer.exe to System 32 Folder
I am not 100% sure whether this works or not but i came across this solution in one of Microsoft Forums. Lots of people said it worked for them, therefore i am mentioning it here.
- Go to C:\Windows
- Find explorer.exe file and copy it
- Paste the file in C:\Windows\System32
- Restart your PC and see if it fixes windows explorer keeps restarting and crashing.
Use SFC Command
This is another common way to fix this problem. First of all, press Win + X keys or right-click on Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) in Windows 10. Then type sfc /scannow and hit enter key. Wait for the process to complete. Once done, there shouldn’t be any issue with explorer.exe file.
Add New User Account
Try deleting the current user account that you use to login on your Windows device. Create a new account and use it to login again. Hopefully this time it fixes the problem.
Run Virus Scan
On virus infected computers, explorer.exe runs into problems frequently. In that case, run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus tool or Windows Defender utility. It detects malicious programs and viruses and deletes them. It also takes care of windows explorer restarting issue.
Summary
Hopefully, the above methods resolved explorer.exe restarting loop problem. All these should work on most devices. But if you’re still facing this issue, i would suggest do a system restore. Also, check RAM and fix any problem with it. Memory issues can cause windows explorer not responding and enter it into restart loop. Try fixing registry errors to see if it helps. Use third-party program like ccleaner for this purpose.
So which solution worked for you? Tell us in the comments below or share your own suggestions.
