File Explorer Memory Leak?


mccmw

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Online searches indicate the issue I've just identified is common, and that the only way to stop it is to kill the process when RAM usage gets too high for comfort...and picking the right "explorer.exe" process to kill so you don't close the taskbar.

It's probably been here a while but I just noticed how each time I open File Explorer it uses a little more memory and each time it is closed, a process remains open but that the amount of memory released decreases....i.e. each time I open and close File Explorer the amount of RAM used (active and when closed) gets larger.

Is there a fix or setting to stop this? I assume the process stays active even when closing the app to help it open faster next time? or is it a bug? Same for the memory leak. I've run Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, and even ESET online scanner, and no indication of malware. Likewise, I looked in Autoruns and don't see any rogue extension that would cause this behavior.
 

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I wonder if this is related to this thread.
 

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Scan
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You could be right..same probem found on my laptop. Could be memory leak caused by most recent update. Looks like this is expected behavior. App works fine...just the memory growth.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11Intel i7-7700K32GB 2666Mhz (Kingston Hyper X Fury)Asus Nvidia 1050Ti
    OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime Z-270A
    Memory
    32GB 2666Mhz (Kingston Hyper X Fury)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus Nvidia 1050Ti
    Sound Card
    N/A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung C27F390
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB Western Digital SN770 (System) and 2TB Western Digital SN770 (Storage)
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Homei9-11900H32GBIntegrated Intel and Nvidia 3050Ti
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell/XPS 15 9510
    CPU
    i9-11900H
    Motherboard
    Unknown
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel and Nvidia 3050Ti
    Sound Card
    Integrated (Realtek)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    None
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 (non-Touch)
    Hard Drives
    2TB SK Hynix P41 Platinum
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
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