Windows crashes when copying files

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Windows Explorer (now File Explorer) is best known as the file manager for a Windows PC, but its more than just a simple file management tool. The explorer.exe process also helps to generate parts of your user interface, from the Start menu to your desktop icons. If Windows Explorer keeps crashing, you wont be able to use your PC properly.

Thankfully, there are some common troubleshooting methods you can try to resolve the issue. If the Windows 10 Explorer keeps crashing, you may be able to fix the problem by following the steps below.

Run System File Checker

When File Explorer keeps crashing, missing or corrupt files are among the most common causes. To check for (and repair) any missing or corrupt system files, you can run the System File Checker tool (SFC)using the Windows PowerShell.

To open a new PowerShell window, right-click the Start menu and press theWindows PowerShell (Admin)option.

In the new PowerShell window, typesfc /scannow, then press theEnter key.

The SFC tool will take some time to scan your PC for file errors. If it detects any (and where possible to do so), Windows will repair and replace the files, ensuring the overall integrity of your Windows installation.

Check for Windows System Updates

Rather than issue new major Windows releases (like Windows 7 or Windows XP), Microsoft shifted to a service release model with the release of Windows 10. Minor updates containing bug and security fixes are issued regularly, while major releases containing new features are issued twice a year.

If your PC is out of date, youll need to check for new system updates. To do this, right-click the Start menu and pressSettings.

In theSettingsmenu, press Update & Security > Windows Update.

If there are any pending updates, pressInstall Now, otherwise press Check for Updates to search for any available updates.

Once Windows downloads any available updates, restart your PC to install them. While this isnt a miracle fix for a crashing Explorer process, new updates come with bug fixes and stability improvements that could resolve the issue.

Separate File Explorer Processes

The Explorer process usually runs as a single process on your PC. That means that each new File Explorer window that opens is placed together into a single system process. This can cause some stability issues, especially for slower PCs.

To help overcome this issue, you can change this setting to split each new File Explorer window into a separate process. To do this, open File Explorer and pressFile > Change folder and search optionsorFile > Options(depending on your current view).

In theFolder Options window, press the View tab. In the Advanced settings window, press theLaunch folder windows in a separate process checkbox to enable the feature.

Click OK to save and apply the setting.

With this setting applied, each new window opened in File Explorer will run under its own separate process. Should a single folder window become unstable, this setting should help to prevent Explorer from crashing entirely.

Disable Third-Party Explorer Extensions Using ShellExView

Windows File Explorer is customizable, thanks to third-party extensions that extend its functionality.

For instance, if you install an app like 7-Zip, youll be able to use the app to perform tasks (such as compressing a file) in Explorer itself. If you install VLC, youll be able to add files to a playlist, directly from a File Explorer window.

These options are usually visible when you right-click a file. However, should a third-party extension become unstable (or should you have too many extensions installed), it could crash the explorer.exe process. Youll need to disable the problematic extension to fix the issue.

The best way to quickly disable some (or all) Explorer extensions is to use a third-party app calledShellExView. This allows you to quickly see what extensions are installed and disable or remove them. To start, download the ShellExView app and install it.

Once installed, run the app and allow it to scan for any extensions. The list will include Microsofts own extensions, so pressOptions > Hide All Microsoft Extensions to ensure you dont disable these, as this could break File Explorer.

Hiding Microsoft extensions from the list will display any third-party extensions installed. To disable an individual extension, right-click it, then pressDisable Selected Items.

To disable all the third-party extensions, pressEdit > Select All or press Ctrl + A on your keyboard. With the items selected, right-click the entries, then press Disable Selected Items.

With the items disabled, close ShellExView and restart your PC. You should no longer see them when you right-click files in File Explorer, but you may need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Check Windows Error Logs

If a specific problem is causing Windows Explorer to keep crashing, you can investigate the cause in Windows error logs. To do this, right-click the Start menu and pressRun.

In theRun box, typeeventvwrand pressOK. This will launch the Windows Event Viewer.

In theEvent Viewer window, pressWindows Logs > Application in the left-hand menu. In theApplication panel on the right, search forEvent IDs with the value1000. Event ID 1000 usually points to an error with the Windows Explorer process.

Once youve located a suitable error, select it, then check theGeneral information listed below. This will provide some background on the cause of the issue, which you may need to research and troubleshoot further.

For instance, if a third-party app caused Explorer to crash, this may be listed in the error log, allowing you to locate and remove it to resolve the problem.

Check for Malware

If Windows Explorer keeps crashing and youre unsure of the cause, you should check for malware. A virus-infected PC isnt safe to use and could be behind the cause of instability issues like this one.

While you can use third-party antivirus software, this isnt actually necessary. Thanks to Windows Security (previously Windows Defender), you can scan your PC for malware without needing third-party software.

To do this, right-click the Start menu and selectRun. Typewindowsdefender:in the Run box before pressingOK.

In the newWindows Securitywindow, pressVirus & threat protection, then pressScan options.

SelectMicrosoft Defender Offline scanfrom the options, then press theScan Now button.

At this point, Windows will restart and begin a boot-level scan of your PC for malware. If it detects any, Windows Security will attempt to quarantine or remove it. This should help to resolve stability issues with your PC and make it safe to use.

Repairing a Windows 10 Installation

When Windows Explorer keeps crashing, it usually points to a problem with your installation. While you can automate some maintenance tasks, it might be worth generating a performance report to check for any underlying issues. One common issue is broken registry items, so you may need to repair the Windows Registry if this is the case.

Sometimes, only a clean break can fix a broken PC. If thats the case, youll need to reinstall Windows 10 and start again with a fresh installation. You can also reset your installation to restore Windows system files to their default state while leaving your personal files intact.