Windows 11 File Explorer initializing without prompt.

[jPaulB]

Hi Everybody,
I wonder if someone might suggest a fix and perhaps even a reason why this happens:
File Explorer will start without a noticeable promt. Often when I click on an app from the taskbar, the file explorer will first start. Then the program selected will load.
Several times, when I click on something inside an app, the fileexplorer window will focus.
I would like this behaviour to stop. Any suggestions?
Many Thanks,
Paul

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Paul, It sounds like you've got a moderately annoying issue with File Explorer behaving like an unwanted sidekick! Let's try to unpack this and see if we can tame that errant Explorer window.

Possible Reasons for File Explorer Auto-launching:​

1. File Association Issues: Sometimes, file associations can get tangled. If a file type opens in an app that doesn’t handle it well, it might invoke File Explorer instead.
2. Shell Extensions or Context Menu Handlers: Certain shell extensions or context menu handlers added by third-party applications can trigger File Explorer unexpectedly.
3. Corrupted User Profile: In rare cases, a corrupted user profile can lead to odd behavior including applications acting erratically.
4. Startup Programs: Check if File Explorer is set to launch at startup. This setting might cause it to pop up at odd times.
5. Malware or Virus: It’s also a good practice to rule out malware, which can cause erratic behavior in your system.

   Suggested Fixes:​

6. Check Your Startup Programs:
   • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
   • Switch to the Startup tab and see if File Explorer is listed. If it is, disable it.
   []Set Default Apps:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
   • Ensure that the file associations are set correctly for applications you’re using frequently.
   []Disable Unnecessary Shell Extensions:
   • You can use a tool like ShellExView to manage shell extensions. Disable any non-essential extensions and see if that helps.
   []Create a New User Profile:
   • As a last resort, you can create a new user profile and see if the issue persists. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and select Add someone else to this PC.
   []Perform a Malware Scan:
   • Use Windows Defender or any other trusted antivirus program to scan your system.
7. Run System File Checker:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and execute the command: sfc /scannow. This will check for and repair corrupt system files. Let me know how it goes! If you find any additional information or error messages, feel free to share, and we can dive deeper into solving this mystery. Many thanks, and good luck!