Windows 10: File Explorer won't open from Taskbar or Start menu.

File Explorer won't open from Taskbar or Start menu and right click on files and folders (In file explorer and on desktop) is not working and causes explorer.exe to freeze. File explorer does open from desktop folder and shortcuts as well as "open file location" in task manager. The problem goes away after restart but returns soon after. Restarting explorer.exe does not fix the problem.

:)

 

Windows 10 file explorer crashes explorer.exe

I've also been getting this problem using a File Explorer shortcut pinned to my taskbar. However I did also notice that you can also open File Explorer by clicking the start button and then clicking the "File Explorer" option (should be above the Settings
option) on the start menu.

When I use the File Explorer option from the start menu I don't get any problems at all, but it does crash rather frequently if I use a File Explorer shortcut that's pinned to the taskbar.

 

Windows Explorer won't stay open after Windows Update on one of three computers

Windows Update just ran and now when I click on Windows Explorer either on my taskbar or in my start menu, a window opens briefly and then closes. Restarting the computer doesn't fix this problem.

I did find a temporary workaround. I can open my Control Panel and back click through the arrows on the upper left to reach a usable Windows Explorer screen. I can create more screens from this initial screen as well. If I close these screens, I still can't
open Windows Explorer from the Taskbar or the Start Menu.

If I click Win-X, the file explorer opens fine, but after closing I still can't open through the taskbar or the Start Menu.

On my other two computers, Windows Explorer opens just fine from the Taskbar or the Start Menu or any other way.

So, this isn't a fatal error, it's just an annoyance, but it means that Windows 10 is not working properly on one of my three computers.

 

I had similar bugs with upgrade. I would suggest doing the "Reset this PC" thing, being sure to keep all your files.

 

Do a Repair Install.
Repair Install allows you to keep your files, settings and apps.
Bo product key is required.
Activation is automatic.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

 

In the 20 years that I've used File Explorer, I have never known it to fail. The problem is likely your harddrive or file(s)/folder(s).

Back up your data, then try:

1) sfc /scannow
2) This PC | right mouse click on the suspected drive | Properties | Tools tab... | Then run those tool programs.



Good luck.

 

Unpin File Explorer from Taskbar
Unpin File Explorer from Start

Restart

Navigate to C:\Windows
Scroll down to explorer.exe
Right click explorer - add to Start
Right click explorer - add to Taskbar

 

Update: windows updated before i had the time to do a repair install and the problem has not come back.

 

Nice !
That saves a lot of time.