File Explorer keeps going to Desktop

Hi, hipswich

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

We understand that you are experiencing problems with File Explorer flashing back, we recommend that you try the following two options to rule out third-party software interference and system file corruption:.

I. Perform a clean boot

The method is as follows

1. Click Windows+R and type msconfig.
2. Open System Configuration and select General tab - Selective Startup.
3. Remove the checkbox of Load startup items.
4. Go to the Services tab - click Hide all microsoft services in the lower left corner, and then click Disable all.
5. Click OK and restart your computer. (Be sure to select Hide all Microsoft services first and then click Disable all, otherwise it may cause unforeseen problems such as not being able to access the system.)

See if the problem still recurs.

NOTE: Clean boot is a way to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs so that you can determine if background programs are interfering with your games or programs and help you figure out the cause of the problem. It will help you get back on track.

Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.    These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.

II. Try to repair your system

1. Search for CMD, find Command Prompt and select Run in Administrator Mode.
2. Enter the following commands one by one, be sure to execute the next command after the previous one is completed. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth SFC /Scannow
3. When the scan is complete, you can check the scan information to see if the problem has been detected and fixed.

Sincerely

Nicholas | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Thank you for all the tips.

I have done "II. Try to repair your system" but it does not help, unfortunately. I will do I which is more dramatic and report back.

We noticed that you tried method II but it didn't work, have you tried Clean boot? If not, we suggest you try it to rule out third-party software interference.

If you are still experiencing this problem, we recommend that you create a new local administrator account and log in to the new account.

We recommend creating a new local administrator account, logging in to the new account, and seeing if it works:

Right-click on the desktop → Open in Terminal and type:

net user Username 123456 /add 

(Press Enter)

(Username is the name of the new account, 123456 is the password, you can set the desired name and password, pay attention to the space)

net localgroup administrators Username /add 

(Press Enter)

(Give the account administrator privileges, note that here Username is the name, need to be consistent with the name in the above command)

Reboot your computer and log in to the new account.

Check if the problem still exists in the new account.

I have just tried to use method I. It does not seem to be applicable to my version of Windows 11.

Hi, hipswich

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

It is normal for this page to appear. You just need to click' Open Task Manager'. If you are troubled by the Clean boot step, you can refer to the specific steps with pictures:

How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

If Clean boot doesn't work, you can try the new local administrator account test scheme I provided.

Sincerely

Nicholas | Microsoft Community Support Specialist