Windows 11 - Windows File Explorer freezing/crashing

from Stardock Forums

Hi

The icons on my Windows File Explorer keep freezing, and on occasion causing my PC to crash, requiring a reboot.

The only solution I have found, is to uninstall WindowBlinds - then all is back to normal.

My setup:

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core Processor  64.0 GB

Edition    Windows 11 Pro
Version    24H2
Installed on    ‎20/‎04/‎2025
OS build    26100.3915
Experience    Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.83.0

Windows 11 Professional 24H2 (26100.ge_release.240331-1435)

WindowBlinds 11.06 (021 x64 - Windows 11 Edition) - 64 bit OS

        Wblind.dll                   2025/04/08 16:53:23
        Wblind64.dll                 2025/04/08 16:53:49
        Wbsrv.dll                    2025/04/08 16:53:33
        WB11Config.exe               2025/04/08 16:54:11
        Wbload.dll                   2025/04/08 16:54:38
        Screen10.exe                 2025/04/08 16:54:45

I have also tried disabling/uninstalling other programs, running SFC /scannow - just in case that helped, but the only thing that fixes the problem is uninstalling WindowBlinds.

I did try a suggestion posted here on the forum, and uninstalled WB 11.06 and used the Purge_WB method, then reinstalled WB 11.06, but it

made no difference.  (have tried lots of skins).

Would appreciate any advice, as I would like to continue using WB if possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

windowblinds
15,226 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Please try installing Windowblinds in Windows Sandbox and see if you see the same issue appear. https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1416396827/Testing+WindowBlinds+in+Sandbox. Please try and report back.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi   Upon installing Windows Sandbox, WB pops up a message saying 'windowblinds does not appear to be installed correctly, would you like to fix this?'  

I select yes - nothing happens and I cant apply a skin.

Eventually it says its not responding.

It also mentions ESET anti virus, which I dont have.

I rebooted my PC, but no difference.

To confirm this is within Window Sandbox, with no other programs added.

many thanks

 

ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi   Any further advice with this situation?

   Since posting this problem, I have (on your advice) loaded Windows Sandbox numerous times, but still get the error message 'windowblinds does not appear to be installed correctly, would you like to fix this?'  as mentioned above.

Sandbox has nothing else enabled, and as WB itself wont install correctly - I'm stuck!

Help appreciated

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi   I have been unable to download the 'purgeandbats' zip file, contained within above posted link, as it has a 500 internal Server Error.

This has been like that since yesterday, so I cannot proceed with the cleanboot.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Thank you for reporting that. I have forwarded your problem to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Same issue.

WB and EP worked fine until last windows update, now file explorer wont open, or black screen.  Uninstalling WB fixed it.  EP was the same when 24H2 was released, but the new version of EP (22621.4317.67.1) works fine with "Taskbar Style set" to "Windows 10 Explorer Patcher" but could this "style" be a conflict with WB 11  ?  

 

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting midnightman61, reply 7

Same issue.

WB and EP worked fine until last windows update, now file explorer wont open, or black screen.  Uninstalling WB fixed it.  EP was the same when 24H2 was released, but the new version of EP (22621.4317.67.1) works fine with "Taskbar Style set" to "Windows 10 Explorer Patcher" but could this "style" be a conflict with WB 11  ?  

 

Everything they said as well as the original p[oster. Only solution was to either rollback the update (which is a pain) or uninstall Windowblinds.

I miss my Windowblinds.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting mepsipax_, reply 5

Hi   I have been unable to download the 'purgeandbats' zip file, contained within above posted link, as it has a 500 internal Server Error.

This has been like that since yesterday, so I cannot proceed with the cleanboot.
Quoting PoSmedley, reply 8

Everything they said as well as the original p[oster. Only solution was to either rollback the update (which is a pain) or uninstall Windowblinds.

I miss my Windowblinds.

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Both of you already on Windowblinds 11.06? If not please update to that version first and retest the issue. Please report back.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

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Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Everything is up to date. Still have the same issue.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 10

Everything is up to date. Still have the same issue.

From your screenshot you still on WB11.02. Please manually download WB11.06 from your product page and install that version.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Where is my product page. When I check downloads, I get this.

My subscription is current.

I apologize if it seems like I'm being difficult. A lot has changed for me recently and my memory is quite what it should be.

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Most probably account issue, please raise support ticket using the link below, use the "Ask a Question" option. Include all information details. Remember to record down the ticket number for future reference if needed. Do not raise multiple ticket, that will make your ticket back to the end of the line. Send once and wait. Ticket will be answer by the order they send in.

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/14

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 13

Most probably account issue, please raise support ticket using the link below, use the "Ask a Question" option. Include all information details. Remember to record down the ticket number for future reference if needed. Do not raise multiple ticket, that will make your ticket back to the end of the line. Send once and wait. Ticket will be answer by the order they send in.

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/14

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Sent in support request. Thank you. I'll let you know what happens.|-)  

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So, the issue has been resolved, I think. To access my  Apps I need to sign in using incognito mode.

Thanks for the help, Basj. I'm very happy to have my Windowblinds back.:grin:  

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Great, glad to hear that. :thumbsup:  

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant