Windows file explorer or right click a folder crashes to bla... - HP Support Community

NamSingh · ‎05-21-2025

When I click the windows file explorer icon on the taskbar, it never opens and sort of restarts the screen. File explorer does not open.

I can open folders on the desktop etc. Also if I try to right click a zip file it does the same behaviour. It goes to a block screen and comes back again.

VikramTheGreat · ‎06-02-2026

Hi @NamSingh,

Welcome to HP Support Community!

We noticed that this thread hasn't had any updates in a while since your original post; while this is rare, we didn't want this post to remain unanswered, so here's the solution to your query. We hope it helps you and everyone viewing this post 😊

Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) may be crashing and restarting whenever certain shell actions are triggered, such as opening File Explorer from the taskbar or right-clicking ZIP files.

To help narrow this down, please try the following steps:

Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Locate Windows Explorer under Processes.
Right-click it and select Restart.

Run System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run: sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete and restart the notebook.

Run DISM Repair

In the same Administrator Command Prompt, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart the system after completion.

Check for Recent Software Changes

Did the issue begin after installing any application, ZIP utility, file manager, antivirus software, or Windows update?
Third-party context menu extensions can sometimes cause Explorer to crash when right-clicking files.

Test in Safe Mode

Boot into Safe Mode and check whether File Explorer opens normally from the taskbar and whether right-clicking ZIP files still causes the screen to go black and refresh.

Check Reliability Monitor

Search for Reliability Monitor in Windows.
Look for recent critical events related to Windows Explorer or explorer.exe and let us know what is reported.

Thanks for being part of the HP Community!

I'm an HP Employee.

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Windows file explorer or right click a folder crashes to black screen and resets

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