Windows 10 — File Explorer Opens and Closes Immediately due to Quick Access

Symptoms

You open file explorer from the task bar or start menu in Windows 10 and file explorer immediately opens and then closes.   Right clicking on the file explorer icon in the task bar and choosing a folder directly such as the Desktop opens File Explorer normally and does not crash.

Resolution

If Windows 10 is up to date the easiest solution is to Disable Quick Access in Windows 10 and change it to open up to MY PC by default.

Step 1:

Right click on the File Explorer Icon in the task bar

Step 2:

Choose a Pinned folder such as Desktop

Step 3:

Whilst file explorer is open select View from the top ribbon and then click on Options, Change folder and search options

Step 4:

As shown below change Open File Explorer to: This PC

It is also recommended to select Clear File Explorer History under the Privacy Pane

Step 5:

Click OK

Step 6:

Open File Explorer normally and confirm the issue has been resolved