Question File Explorer doesn't open for past 2 days

[Merforga]

I've always had issues with File Explorer not opening quickly the first time I try to open a window after turning my computer on. But for the past couple of days, the window won't open at all. I can't even open it by searching for a/the folder in the Start menu, nothing happens when I click on it. Simiarly, some jump list items don't open either (e.g., right-click Chrome for a new window, recent MS Word documents, etc.), but some open fine. I can't open a command prompt window either. When I try to restart explorer.exe, the taskbar just freezes and explorer keeps restarting in a loop or something. I also think it may be what's causing slightly lower frame rates in games the past couple days, but I don't know for sure. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

[rgd1101]

malware scan?
test in safe mode?