Windows Explorer has stopped working. What to do?
If Windows Explorer stops working, there is an error somewhere in the system. In this practical tip, we will give you a few tricks to make Windows Explorer work again.
Windows Explorer does not work: restart via shortcut
First, you should try to restart Windows Explorer:
- To do this, simultaneously press the [Windows] + [R] keys.
- Then you have to enter "explorer" and confirm with [Enter].
- If a new Explorer window does not open, follow the steps below.
1. Update hardware driver
Outdated or corrupt hardware drivers can cause Windows Explorer to stop working. Therefore, check whether the drivers of your hardware such as graphics card or sound are still up to date. If not, you should update it. You can find out what steps you need to take to update the driver under Windows 7 here.
2. Run the System File Checker on Windows
Missing or damaged system files can also cause Windows Explorer to stop working as intended. You can use the system file checker to check your PC for such files. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Click on Start. Enter "cmd" in the search box.
- Right click on "cmd" and select "Run as administrator". If you are logged in with an account that does not have administrator rights, you must enter the corresponding password. Confirm the Windows message with "Yes".
- At the command prompt (cmd), type: sfc / scannow. Confirm with Enter.
- The scan takes a while. If an error is found, you may be asked to insert the Windows installation CD to correct the error.
- For more information about the System File Checker, see the Microsoft page.
3. Check your PC for viruses and malware
Malicious software such as viruses or malware can affect the functioning of your computer and cause errors. Run a scan with your antivirus to make sure that your computer is not infected with malware. A free program that you can use to check your computer for spyware and malware is "SpyBot - Search & Destroy".
4. Start the PC in Safe Mode
If the previous steps fail, you can start your PC in safe mode and check whether you can reproduce the error here. Learn how to start your computer in Safe Mode here. If the error does not occur in Safe Mode, a clean restart could help you. More information can be found here.
5. Perform a system restore
If you don't know what to do next, you can reset your Windows system to an earlier point in time. Choose a time when the problem has not yet arisen. Learn how to perform a system restore here. Before performing a system restore, you should back up your most important files for security!
This practical tip relates to Windows 7.