Is your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC running slow lately? It might be because of explorer.exe using too much memory. Users have seen it taking up to 3-4GB, which slows down everything. This makes apps slow to respond and affects your computer’s speed.
It’s important to know why explorer.exe uses so much memory. This knowledge will help you fix the problem. Keep reading to learn how to make your PC work better.
Common Causes of High Memory Usage in Windows Explorer
In Windows Explorer, high memory usage happens for many reasons. Knowing why helps fix Windows performance issues better.
Disk errors or corruption lead the list of causes. Around 60% of high CPU usage comes from disk errors. Running a ChkDsk scan often fixes this.
Malware infections greatly affect performance too. They are behind 75% of high CPU usage in Windows 10. Regular malware scans are vital.
Third-party background processes matter as well. Cloud services like Dropbox and OneDrive cause about 40% of the issues. They sync files in the background. Installed add-ons and shell extensions may also disrupt Explorer.
Other common causes include:
- Running too many programs at once
- Registry hacks
- Poorly designed programs
- Startup programs
- Lack of disk space
- Viruses or antivirus software
- Old and temporary files
Sometimes, high memory issues pop up after upgrading to Windows 10 or when the PC sits idle too long. For these, you need advanced troubleshooting to fix Windows performance issues.
How to Diagnose High Memory Usage Using Task Manager
Figuring out why Windows Explorer eats up a lot of memory can be tough. Thankfully, Task Manager is here to help. It provides a deep dive into how your computer’s memory is used. The Performance tab and Resource Monitor give a full look at your system’s health. Here’s a guide to use these tools for finding and fixing memory problems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Task Manager
First, open Task Manager using the “MS Three Finger Salute” (CTRL+ALT+DEL). Here’s what you do next:
- Press CTRL + ALT + DEL on your keyboard.
- Select Task Manager from the options that show up.
- In Task Manager, click the Performance tab. This shows CPU, memory, disk, and network use.
In the Performance tab, you can watch your system’s metrics in real-time. Then, use Resource Monitor to dive deeper into memory issues.
Interpreting Resource Monitor Data
Inside Task Manager, go to the Performance tab and hit the Resource Monitor button. It gives detailed insights into how resources are used by different processes. This is key for figuring out memory problems.
- Watch for processes using a lot of memory. For example, if explorer.exe uses up to 99% CPU and 3-4 GB of memory, it’s a sign of a problem.
- In the Processes section, watch the usage and CPU activity. Apps like Foxit Reader might be using too much memory.
- Look at the Memory tab to see memory use and any strange behavior. A steady 3.2 GB by explorer.exe suggests a memory leak.
Fixing these issues might involve running a malware scan, turning off unnecessary startup programs, and checking for updates. Tools like RAMMAP help you see how memory is being used. This can point out leaks or overuse by certain apps.
By using Task Manager and Resource Monitor effectively, you can find memory problems, understand resource use, and take steps to improve your computer’s performance.
Why Is Windows Explorer Using So Much Memory
Finding out why explorer.exe process eats up a lot of memory can be both annoying and interesting. The issue may start with a security update from October 13, 2015, known as MS15-106. This update made memory use go up for many people. Since then, keeping your computer running smoothly has been harder, especially for programs that use the MSHTML engine, like InfoPath.
Noticing your computer slowing down after the update is key. The explorer.exe process can cause problems, especially if you use cloud storage like OneDrive and Google Drive. These services sync files non-stop, making the computer use more memory and slow down.
Corrupted files or disk errors also lead to more memory use. Microsoft has tried to fix these with updates like MS15-124 on December 8, 2015. Make sure you’ve installed all necessary updates before adding any hotfix. Even though hotfixes don’t mess with previous updates, you might need to restart your computer.
Looking into third-party software is also important. Some programs don’t work well with Windows and can make your computer use more memory. To avoid this, you can fix corrupted files with tools like System File Checker (SFC) and clean out bad programs now and then.
Keeping an eye on what runs in the background and what’s in Quick Access helps too. Sometimes, just turning off Quick Access makes your computer faster. This can help fix some of the slowdown issues.
To keep your computer working well, it’s best to update regularly, fix files, and monitor your software closely. This way, your computer stays fast and doesn’t get bogged down by too much memory use.
Potential Fixes for High Memory usage
When Windows Explorer uses too much memory, it’s a pain. But, there are ways to fix it. Here, we’ll talk about methods to make your system work better.
Run System File Checker
The System File Checker tool finds and fixes bad system files. First, open Command Prompt as an admin. Then, run sfc /scannow. This helps fix system errors and make your computer run smoother.
Run CHKDSK
The CHKDSK utility can find and repair disk errors. Open Command Prompt as an admin and enter chkdsk /f /r, then hit Enter. Let it scan and fix errors that cause high memory use.
Perform a Malware Scan
A good anti-virus scan is important to find and remove malware. Use a reliable anti-virus to scan your system. Make sure no malware is slowing down your computer.
Disable Cloud Clients
Services like OneDrive and Dropbox use a lot of memory to sync. Turning them off can save memory and make your PC faster. Change these settings in the apps.
Run Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup gets rid of temporary files and caches that take up space. Find Disk Cleanup in the Start Menu. Choose which files to delete. This helps your computer run better.
Clean Boot Your System
A Clean Boot starts Windows with just the basics. It helps find and fix software problems causing memory issues. To do a Clean Boot, use msconfig to turn off what you don’t need. This can lower memory use and let your computer start up faster.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
When your computer’s Windows Explorer uses too much memory, it’s time to troubleshoot. First, check the add-ons and extensions you have installed. These can slow down your system a lot.
Check Installed Add-ons and Extensions
Software you install can add shell extensions. These might cause problems with right-click menus and make Windows Explorer use too much memory. Look at these add-ons to find issues. Using tools like MiniTool System Booster to turn off startup programs you don’t need can also help with memory.
Using ShellExView to Diagnose Issues
The ShellExView utility is great for fixing menu problems and figuring out which shell extensions are bad. You disable and re-enable these extensions one by one. This helps you see which ones make Explorer slow. Doing this makes your system run better and more stable.
Some add-ons are tricky and not easy to spot. A full system scan with something like MiniTool System Booster can improve security. It finds threats and problems. Using these advanced tips helps your computer stay healthy. It makes sure Windows Explorer works well.
Conclusion
To fix high memory usage by Windows Explorer, follow specific troubleshooting steps. This makes sure your PC runs smoothly. Understanding the causes—like many background processes, system errors, and malware—helps you tackle the problem well.
Begin with easy fixes such as cleaning your hard drive and turning off services you don’t need. Running antivirus checks can also boost your PC’s performance. If you’re still stuck, try advanced options. Look at add-ons and use tools like ShellExView to find hidden issues.
These steps will help you enhance Windows Explorer and enjoy better computing. If problems remain, consider help from Windows support groups. Keep your system updated and clean to avoid future high memory issues.
