Share via

How to get file explorer to work when forcing it open won't work?

JennG 0 Reputation points
2025-12-10T18:22:15.3+00:00

Hi! I posted about errors that I ran into after a failed Windows Update (https://v4.hkg1.meaqua.org/en-us/answers/questions/5654220/how-to-solve-multiple-bsod-failures-after-windows) and have another problem that I think is blocking me from doing a lot of what is being suggested - I'm hoping if I can at least figure this part out, I might be able to get the other parts addressed with a reset Windows option to at least get me back up and running...

After the failed Windows Update from yesterday, I have been unable to get Windows Explorer to work. If I try to open any folder, Windows Explorer crashes and restarts. I can access my c drive and my external drive by typing in c: into my Chrome browser, but cannot get in if I try to do it any other way. Part of what is holding me back from doing a complete reset of my computer is that the downloads folder on my PC is not backed up on my external drive whereas the documents and such are at least backed up to my OneDrive account.

With the above said, are there other ways to "trick" the computer into allowing me to gain access to my folders so I can try to backup the downloads folder?

Thanks

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Paulo GM 56,560 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-10T19:02:05.5733333+00:00

    Hi,

    I ran into the same issue about a month ago after installing an update. File Explorer wasn’t working, so I couldn’t mount the ISO to perform an in-place upgrade. What helped me was installing a third-party explorer app. You might want to try this app from the Microsoft Store and see if it helps.

2 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-10T18:22:31.8766667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If Windows Explorer is crashing and restarting when you try to open folders, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to regain access to your files:

    1. Restart Windows Explorer: You can restart the Windows Explorer process through the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer in the list, right-click it, and select Restart.
    2. Use Safe Mode: Booting into Safe Mode can help you access your files without the usual drivers and software running. To enter Safe Mode, restart your computer and repeatedly press F8 (or Shift + F8 on some systems) before Windows starts loading. Once in Safe Mode, try accessing your folders again.
    3. Access via Command Prompt: If you can open Command Prompt, you can navigate to your folders and copy files to another location. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Run dialog (press Win + R), and use commands like cd to change directories and copy to copy files.
    4. Check for Corrupted Libraries: If you are encountering issues with libraries in Windows Explorer, you can delete and restore default libraries. Open Windows Explorer, right-click on Libraries in the left pane, and select Delete. Then right-click on Libraries again and choose Restore default libraries.
    5. Backup Using Third-Party Software: If you have access to your drives through other means (like a browser), consider using third-party backup software that can help you copy files from your Downloads folder to your external drive.
    6. Registry Fixes: If the problem persists, you might need to check the registry settings related to Windows Explorer. However, be cautious as incorrect changes can lead to further issues. Make sure to back up the registry before making any changes.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider performing a system restore or a reset of Windows, ensuring that you have backed up important files first.

    References:

    0 comments
  2. Paulo GM 56,560 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-10T20:01:47.9933333+00:00

    You're very welcome! I'm glad to help. :)

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.