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Windows 10 file explorer crashes

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Windows 10 file explorer crashes

The file explorer in Windows 10 is far from perfect. Many users have complained of experiencing problems with Windows 10 file explorer. The most common issue is “Windows 10 file explorer crashes”.

Windows Explorer keeps Crashing Solved

What happens is that the File Explorer as well as taskbar closes the moment you open any folder, and then reopens after a gap of just few seconds.

To fix the issue, Microsoft has released several updates, but more than a few users have still reported the problem.

If the “Windows 10 file explorer crashes” issue is troubling you as well, we recommend you try these workarounds. They have worked for many people and there’s no reason why they will not help you solve this issue.

Other problems with Windows Explorer or File Explorer

Before we look at the solutions to the “Windows 10 file crashes” problem, let’s check out other issues that are similar to it. It is possible that you might not be experiencing the “Windows 10 file crashes” problem but one of these issues.

The solutions listed in this post work just as well for these similar issues as for the “Windows 10 file crashes” issue.

So here are other problems similar in nature to the above problem.

  • File Explorer Hangs – Frequent slowdowns is another problem with File Explorer reported by users. Many users say that often frequent File Explorer slowdowns precede crashes.
  • File Explorer Crashes Upon Right-Click – This is simply a variation of the listed problem. What happens is when you right-click something, File Explorer crashes. More often than not, third-party apps cause this issue. That said, steps listed in this post will help you fix this issue.
  • File Explorer Quick Access Crashes – So in this case File Explorer crashes occur when you use the Quick Access feature.
  • File Explorer Frequently Closes – At times the File Explorer closes unexpectedly. Many users have stated that closing of the File Explorer app at random intervals can be a huge problem.
  • File Explorer not working, not responding – Sometimes File Explorer abruptly stops working or responding. In such cases, the only solution is to close File Explorer by force.
  • Windows 10 File Explorer Crash Loop – Compared to many others in this list, this problem is more serious. What happens is that File Explorer crashes constantly. At times, Explorer goes in a crash loop, completely preventing you from using it.
  • Windows 10 Explorer Takes a Long Time to Open – Another common problem is File Explorer taking a very long time to open. Users state this is a serious issue.
  • File Explorer Won’t Open – In the previous issue, Explorer opens but only after a long time. But in this case, File Explorer doesn’t open at all. As you can guess, this is a big problem. However, the fixes given here can solve this issue. So try them if you’re facing this problem.
  • Windows 10 Explorer Opens and Closes Immediately – Some users have reported that in their case the file explorer opens but only to close immediately. Because of this, they are unable to use the app.

Solution to the Windows 10 File Explorer Crashes Problem

Here are some solutions to this problem. You can start with the first solution and move your way down until the issue is resolved.

Solution 1 – Run netsh and winsock reset

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Click the Windows icon in the taskbar and then type cmd in the start search box
  • Under Best match right-click Command Prompt and then select Run as administrator
  • This will open Command Prompt. Type netsh and then press Enter
  • Now type winsock and then press Enter

If you want, instead of running these commands separately, you can run them in a single command netsh winsock reset

Solution 2 – Change File Explorer Options

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Press Win Key + S, type folder options, and then click File Explorer Options
  • Click the View tab
  • Check the box before Launch folder windows in a separate process
  • Click the Ok button

Solution 3 – Take Full Permission to Access folder content

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Open File Explorer. Now right-click the folder in which files are located, and then click Properties
  • Click the Security tab and then select the Advanced tab
  • Folder Security
  • In the Advanced Security window, click Change
  • Folder advanced settings
  • A new window will open. Click Advanced
  • In case you are aware of the username which you wish to add, just type the username in the ‘Enter the object name to select’ field
  • In case you click Advanced, you will have a new window open on your screen. Click Find Now. You will now be able to all users and groups
  • From the list, choose the name you want to add. Click OK
  • Give complete access to the selected file folder for your account. You can do so by right-clicking the folder, then clicking Properties, then Security and then Edit
  • Folder advncd settings
  • In Allow column, set permission as Full control. Now click Apply and then click OK

You should perform this action as at times Windows 10 installer fails to manage the file permissions properly.

Solution 4 – Clear File Explorer History

Some users have claimed that they were able to resolve the issue by cleaning File Explorer history. Therefore we believe this step is worth a try, more so because it doesn’t take much time.

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Press Win Key + S, type folder options, and then click File Explorer Options
  • In the File Explorer Options window, click the Clear button (located in the General tab under Privacy)
  • clear file history

If this issue is being caused by File Explorer history, this step will resolve it. However, this is at best a temporary solution. In case the problem reappears, again clean the file history.

Solution 5 – Change text size

Some users claim that in their case the File Explorer was crashing because of incorrect font size. Users can adjust font size as per their preferences. However, at times some specific values can lead to problems with File Explorer.

Here are the steps to follow to fix the problem.

  • Press Win Key + I
  • This will open Settings app
  • Browse to System
  • On the right-hand side, you will see Scale and Layout. Using the drop-down menu here, set font size to 100%. If you wish, you can set it to 200%.
  • resize text size

Now check if the issue is resolved. If not, move on to the next solution.

Solution 6 – Install New Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows to improve its functionality, boost security, and fix existing bugs and problems.

That’s why you might be able to resolve this issue if you install the newest updates. By default Windows downloads new updates on its own. Windows Update works in the background and downloads and installs new updates.

That said, it is possible an important update wasn’t downloaded. Therefore, check manually for new updates. If any update wasn’t downloaded, do it and see if the issue is resolved.

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Click the windows icon in the taskbar, type windows update in the start search box and then press Enter
  • Click the check for updates button
  • Now Windows will check if there are any updates available. In case, updates are available, you need to just reboot Windows. Upon reboot, Windows will automatically latest updates

In case the issue still exists, move on to the next step.

Solution 7 – Tweak Settings in the Quick Access Section

There’s a Quick Access section in File Explorer. It allows users to access recent folders and files quickly.

However, at times, for reasons unknown, File Explorer can crash because of Quick Access. An effective workaround is to change the settings of Quick Access in such a way that recently-opened folders and files don’t appear in the Quick Access.

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Press Win Key + S, type folder options, and then click File Explorer Options
  • Go to the Privacy section. Here disable Show recently used files in Quick access
  • Next you need to disable Show frequently used folders in Quick access
  • Click Apply
  • Finally click OK
quick access settings

Now recently-used folders and files will no longer feature in the Quick access section. So the issue should be fixed. More than a few users have said that it is better to clear the File Explorer history once this step is complete. We recommend you do that as well.

Solution 8 – Change File Explorer settings

File Explorer, by default, is set to open the Quick Access. However, users have stated that the latter can cause File Explorer to crash.

One way of circumventing this issue is by changing the settings of File Explorer to open This PC in place of the default Quick Access.

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Press Win Key + S, type folder options, and then click File Explorer Options
  • In the General tab, use the drop-down menu next to Open File Explorer to This PC
  • Click the Apply button and then click OK

Solution 9 – Disable preview handlers and preview pane

It has been reported that preview pane can cause File Explorer to crash. Disable preview handlers and preview pane and check if this helps fix the problem.

  • In the File Explorer open any directory
  • Click View
  • Ensure Preview Pane is unselected
preview pane
  • Click View again and then click Options
  • So now you will see Folder Options. Here click View and deselect Show preview handlers in preview pane
  • Click the Apply button
  • Click OK
  • folder settings

Solution 10 – Reinstall the graphics driver

One of the reasons for crashing of File Explorer is graphics card driver. You can fix the problem by reinstalling the graphics driver.

You can reinstall graphics driver manually or automatically. The second option is better because it removes the risk of downloading a wrong driver by mistake.

However, we’ve listed both options.

Reinstall Graphics Driver Manually

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Press Win key + R to open the Run dialog box
  • Type msc and then press Enter to open the Device Manager window
  • Here browse to your graphics card. Right-click it and then select Uninstall device
  • Device manager
  • In the Uninstall Device box, check the box before Delete the driver software for this device
  • Now click the Uninstall button
  • uninstall device

Windows will now uninstall the current graphics card driver. Now visit the official website of your graphics card’s manufacturer, and look for the latest driver. Before downloading the driver, ensure it is compatible with your Windows operating system.

Once you’ve downloaded the latest driver, double-click the executable file to install it. Restart Windows so that changes can take effect.

Update Graphics Driver Automatically

In case you’re worried about installing a wrong driver, which is a genuine worry, you should use a driver update tool. Installing a wrong driver can make your PC unstable and cause a host of other problems.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

  • You can update device drivers automatically
  • The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
  • The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
  • Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download

 

Solution 11 – Temporarily Disable Antivirus Program

It is important that you use a reliable antivirus software tool. Such a tool will keep your PC protected from hackers and other sorts of online threats. However, at times, an antivirus tool might interfere with other programs.

Some users have reported that their antivirus programs were causing File Explorer crashes. That’s why we recommend that you temporarily disable your antivirus tool to check if it is behind this issue.

We’ve given steps to temporarily disable Avast protection tool. If you’ve another antivirus, steps might vary. Check the help manual, if you have one, or browse the net to find the steps to follow to disable your antivirus tool.

  • Right-click the Avast icon in the Windows system tray
  • Highlight Avast Shield Control
  • Select the duration for which you want to disable Avast antivirus program

In case the File Explorer starts working fine after you disable your antivirus tool, it means the latter is the cause of File Explorer crash. Contact your antivirus manufacturer for a solution or switch to another antivirus protection tool.

Solution 12 – Run a virus scan

You can also get the File Explorer is crashing issue if your PC is infected with virus or spyware. To rule out this possibility, we recommend you run a boot scan.

Remember a boot scan can take up to a couple of hours, maybe even more. Therefore, run it when you can comfortably stay away from your laptop or desktop pc for such a long time period.

Solution 13 – Disable trouble-causing context menu items

Another reason for this issue could be some specific context menu items. What happens typically is that 3rd party apps add their own features in your context menu and these additional features, in turn, cause the File Explorer to work erratically.

You can fix this issue by using ShellExView feature. A freeware tool, ShellExView allows users to disable trouble-causing context menu items.

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Download ShellExView from the Internet. As this is a portable software application, users don’t need to install it to run it
  • Now once ShellExView starts, you should click Options. Next pick Filter by Extension Type
  • Click Context menu
  • And then click OK
  • Browse through the list and find a 3rd party application which you wish to disable. Then right click this 3rd party application and click Disabled Selected Items. If you need, you can select more than one items simultaneously
  • You will get a message to confirm your action. Click the Yes button
  • Once you’ve disabled the necessary applications, click Options and then click Restart Explorer
  • Again a confirmation message flashes on your screen. Click the Yes button

After File Explorer restarts, you will notice that these disabled apps will no longer show up in the context menu. The issue should be fixed.

Users have reported that these items have caused the File Explorer Crashes problem on their PCs. That’s why ensure you disable them.

  • AVG Antivirus
  • WinRAR
  • SpyBoy Search And Destroy Shell Extension
  • Format Factory
  • Carbonite Context Menu
  • ConvertToPdf Class by Foxit Software
  • Nvidia’s OpenGLshExt Class

If the problem persists even after finishing this action, we recommend you try the last solution in the list.

Solution 14 – Do Away With IDT Audio

There are several PC manufacturers who use IDT Audio. Examples include, among others, HP and Dell. Typically, IDT Audio comes preinstalled. Some users have complained that this application caused problems with File Explorer.

The resolution in this case is to uninstall IDT Audio. Here are the steps to do this.

  • Press Win Key + I. This will open Settings app
  • Click Apps to open the Apps section
  • Here every installed app will appear. Choose IDT Audio. Next click Remove
  • Once you’ve done that, all you need to do is follow on-screen instructions to uninstall this application

You can also uninstall this application without using Settings app by using control panel. Here are the steps to follow.

  • Open Control Panel
  • Click Programs and Features
  • Here you’ll see all the programs installed on your computer. Browse to IDT Audio. Then double-click it.
  • Just follow onscreen instructions to uninstall it.

Some users have reported that they were able to solve the File Explorer Crashes issue without uninstalling IDT audio. This they were able to changing the name of IDT audio Control Panel applet. If you wish, you can give this method a try before uninstalling IDT audio.

Here are the steps to follow.

  • Click the Windows icon in the taskbar and then type run
  • Next type cmd in the Run box and then press Enter
  • In Command Prompt, enter the following command: ren IDTNC64.CPL IDTNC64.CPL.old
  • After you’ve entered this command, press Enter

The issue should be resolved now.

Internet keeps dropping

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Internet keeps dropping

Is your Internet connection disconnecting intermittently?

We have listed several solutions to this problem. Try them one by one until the problem is resolved.

However, before start troubleshooting the internet keeps dropping issue, we recommend that you first make sure that this is not because of any computer issue.

The simplest way to rule out computer issues is to connect any other device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or any other computer, to the internet connection with which this issue is occurring. In case the problem occurs with all other devices, you can safely conclude that the issue is with your DSL modem, cable modem, ISP or network router.

On the other hand, if the problem occurs with only one device, you can safely conclude that there’s something wrong with that device. For instance, if you are facing the internet keeps dropping issue with only your computer, not smartphone or tablet, there’s some problem with the former. You should check if for any operating system related issues or hardware related issues. This is because such issues can cause problems with the Internet connection.

Now let’s check the solutions to this problem.

Solution 1 – ISP

In case of an unstable internet connection, you may want to contact your ISP provider and check if there’s some problem at their end. The technical support of your ISP provider can perform system checks as well as line checks to rule out any problem at their end.

We recommend you check with your ISP provider first, before attempting any other solution given in this post.

Solution 2 – Cable modem or DSL Modem

In case your cable modem is unable to maintain a stable connection, you might be able to resolve the issue through power cycling. We recommend you first power off your computer.

Then disconnect the cord to turn off your cable modem. Leave the cord unplugged for a small while, minimum 10 seconds. Now plug the cord back into your cable modem, which will use a few mins to complete all self-checks and establish Internet connection. The front of your cable modem will have Internet connectivity indicator. Watch out for it. When this indicator illuminates, plug in the router. Next, power on the computer.

Now check if the internet connection is steady.

Solution 3 – Wireless router

You need to reset your router. First shut down your computer. Then unplug the cord and wait for a little time, 10 seconds or more. Now plug the cord back. Wait until indicator lights in the front of your router stop blinking. When the lights stop blinking, it means the router has run all self-checks. Now, power on the computer.

Check if your internet connection is steady.

If none of these 3 solutions are able to solve the internet keeps dropping problem and if other devices, such as your smartphone, is able to connect with the internet, you should try the solutions given below.

Solution 4 – Network Card Drivers

You can encounter internet keeps dropping issue if your network card drivers are missing or outdated or corrupt. Updating the drivers can help fix the issue.

You can update drivers manually or automatically. We recommend the second option because it is quick and easy. Plus you don’t need any technical knowledge.

However, we’ve listed both manual and automatic method to update network card drivers.

Update Network Card Drivers Manually

To do this, follow these steps.

  • Click the Windows icon in the taskbar, type run in the start search box, and then press Enter
  • In the run box, type devmgmt.msc and then press Enter
  • Now double-click Network adapters to see the devices under it
  • network adapter
  • Right click your network card and select Update Driver Software
  • Click Browse my computer for driver software
  • update-driver-software
  • Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer
  • update-driver-software
  • Select the appropriate driver from the list and click Next
  • After Windows have installed the driver, click the Close button to exit the Update Driver Software window
  • Restart your computer

Another way to update network card drivers is to go to the network card manufacturer’s website and search for the latest driver. Make sure the selected driver is compatible with your version of Windows. Next download the executable file. Once that’s done, double-click it to run it. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the driver and then finally reboot Windows for changes to take effect.

Update Network Card Driver Automatically

You don’t need any sort of technical knowledge to update network card driver when you use a driver update tool.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

  • You can update device drivers automatically
  • The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
  • The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
  • Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download

 

Solution 5 – System Restore

It is possible that some system files of your PC have become corrupt, which in turn might be causing internet keeps dropping issue.

In case this connectivity problem is quite recent, try restoring Windows to an earlier point before this issue appeared. When you restore Windows to an earlier point, it replaces corrupt files with non-corrupt files.

To restore Windows to an earlier point, use System Restore. Here are the steps to follow.

  • Click the Windows icon in the taskbar and then press Enter
  • Type system restore in the start search box and then press Enter
  • This will open System Restore window
  • Select an appropriate restore point and then click Next
  • Click the Finish button
  • Click Yes to reboot Windows

Solution 6 – Run a Virus Scan

Although rare, it is possible that a virus or spyware infection might be causing the internet keeps dropping issue. This can happen if virus infection is very severe.

If the previous steps failed to fix the issue, we recommend you run a virus scan on your pc. It would be best if you run a boot scan. However, please note such a scan can take a long time, so run it only when you can afford to stay away from your computer for a couple of hours.

In case the internet connectivity problem still remains, you modem or router or network card may be defective. You may need to purchase a new modem or router or network card to fix the internet keeps dropping issue.

The remote device won’t accept the connection

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The remote device won’t accept the connection

Network issues are annoying, regardless of when or on which Windows version they occur. One such irritating network issue is the remote device won’t accept the connection.

If you run Windows 10 and are looking for an effective way to fix this error, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, I’ll show you 4 ways to fix this error.

What causes this error?

Let’s first understand why this network error occurs. Several reasons can lead to this issue. For instance, if a proxy setting has been enabled, this error can occur in Windows 10. Another reason is changes made in Microsoft Edge web browser app.

Further this error can also occur if you’ve changed your antivirus program’s default settings or Firewall settings are not properly configured. Last but not the least, if something is amiss with IP config, this error can appear.

In any of these cases, you will not able to open your favorite sites. As a matter of fact, you will fail to establish any sort of network connection.

This scenario is likely to occur. When you try to open a site, an error message will flash on your screen stating the webpage/site can’t be displayed. Then if you run diagnostic sequence as indicated by the browser you’re using, the following message will appear: The remote device or resource won’t accept the connection.

remote-device-connection-error

This issue is not browser specific. You can get the error with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge or any other web browser.

Fix The Remote Device Won’t Accept The Connection Error

Here are 4 solutions to this problem. Of course, there’s no need for you to try all of these solutions. Start with the first one, and if it doesn’t work, move to the next one and so on and so forth.

First Solution: Turn Off The Proxy Settings

Here are the steps to follow.

  1. Press Window + R to open the Run box
  2. Type cpl and then press Enter to open the Internet Properties window
  3. Click the Connections tab
  4. Click the LAN settings button displayed towards the bottom
LAN settings
  1. In the Local Area Network Settings box, ensure the box before Automatically detect settings is checked. Now uncheck the box before Use a proxy server for your LAN
  2. Click OK in the Local Area Network Settings box
  3. Now in the Internet Properties window, click Apply and then click OK

Now check if the problem is solved. If no, move on to the next solution.

Second Solution – Reset Microsoft Edge To Its Default Settings

  1. Press Window + R to open the Run box
  2. Type cpl and then press Enter to open the Internet Properties window
  3. Click Advanced (the last tab in the menu)
  4. Click Reset (the button towards the bottom of the window)
  5. Reset Internet Settings
  6. In case an alert message flashes on your screen, click Ok. Then click Reset (If you don’t get an alert message, simply click Reset in the window that appears.

Now the Internet Explorer will be reverted to its factory settings.  Check if the issue is fixed.

Third Solution – Reset Gateway IP Address

Here are the steps to follow.

  1. Press Window + R to open the Run box
  2. Type cpl and then press Enter to open the Internet Properties window
  3. Click the Connections tab
  4. Click the LAN settings button displayed towards the bottom
  5. In the Local Area Network Settings box, ensure the box before Automatically detect settings is checked. Now uncheck the box before Use a proxy server for your LAN
  6. Click OK in the Local Area Network Settings box
  7. Now in the Internet Properties window, click Apply and then click OK
  8. Now press Window + R
  9. Type cmd and press Enter to launch command prompt
  10. In the command prompt window, type  ipconfig/release and then press Enter
  11. Once this command is executed, type ipconfig/renew and then press Enter
  12. Close command prompt and now check if you’re able to connect.

If not, try the last solution.

Fourth Solution – Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus Program

At times this issue can occur in case there’s some problem with the settings of your antivirus program. To check this, simply disable the antivirus protection. Also disable Firewall protection temporarily. If the error is fixed, then you can safely conclude that there’s some problem with your antivirus protection software. Contact the software manufacturer and ask for a solution. Otherwise simply switch over to another antivirus program.

You can disable Windows Firewall Protection by following these steps:

  • Press Windows+R. Now type “cpl” and then press the OK button. This will open the Windows Firewall window
  • In the left-pane, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off
  • Under private network location settings, select Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended). Now under Public network location settings, select Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)
  • Click the OK button

The exact steps for disabling antivirus software vary from one program to another. Below we’ve listed the steps to disable Avast antivirus. If you run any other antivirus tool, check the manual or search the Internet to learn about the steps you need to perform to disable your antivirus program.

  • Right-click the Avast icon in the Windows system tray
  • Highlight Avast Shield Control
  • Select the duration for which you want to disable Avast antivirus program