Windows Explorer Crashes Upon Right-Click- A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting the Issue
When I right click Windows Explorer crashes, it can be a frustrating and perplexing issue for many users. This unexpected behavior not only disrupts the workflow but also raises concerns about the stability and performance of the operating system. In this article, we will explore the possible causes behind this problem and provide effective solutions to help you resolve it.
The right-click crash in Windows Explorer can occur due to various reasons, such as corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or third-party applications interfering with the file explorer. To identify the root cause and fix the issue, follow the steps outlined below.
1. Update your drivers:
Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to conflicts and crashes in Windows Explorer. To ensure that your drivers are up to date, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your hardware components, such as graphics card, network adapter, and sound card.
2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools:
The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can help you scan and repair corrupted system files. To run these tools, follow these steps:
a. Press Windows Key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
b. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
– SFC /scannow
– DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
– DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
– DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Disable third-party applications:
Some third-party applications, such as antivirus software or file managers, may interfere with Windows Explorer and cause crashes. To identify the problematic application, follow these steps:
a. Press Windows Key + X and select “Task Manager” from the list.
b. In Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab and disable any applications that you suspect might be causing the issue.
c. Restart your computer and check if the problem persists.
4. Reset Windows Explorer:
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try resetting Windows Explorer to its default settings. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Press Windows Key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
b. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
– Get-AppxPackage -Name “Microsoft.Windows.FileExplorer” | Remove-AppxPackage
5. Reinstall Windows Explorer:
If resetting Windows Explorer does not help, you can try reinstalling it. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Press Windows Key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
b. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
– dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “when I right click Windows Explorer crashes” issue and restore the stability of your operating system. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician.