Fix TortoiseGit 2.18.0 Install on Windows 11 25H2: Explorer Crash Solution

Struggling with TortoiseGit 2.18.0 installation on Windows 11 25H2? The Windows Explorer crash you’re experiencing is a common issue caused by missing Visual C++ Redistributable on Windows Home 25H2. The official solution involves installing the required VC++ runtime before setting up TortoiseGit, or using the patched 2.18.0.1 version that resolves this Explorer crash issue. Both methods will allow successful installation without the black screen freeze you’re encountering.

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Contents

• Why TortoiseGit 2.18.0 Installation Fails on Windows 11 25H2
• Root Cause: Windows Explorer Crashes During TortoiseGit Setup
• Step-by-Step Fix: Install VC++ Redistributable for Windows Home 25H2
• Download and Use TortoiseGit 2.18.0.1 Patch
• Alternative: Manual Windows Explorer Restart Before TortoiseGit Install
• Prerequisites and Best Practices for TortoiseGit on Windows 25H2
• Troubleshooting Common Errors and Post-Install Issues

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Why TortoiseGit 2.18.0 Installation Fails on Windows 11 25H2

TortoiseGit 2.18.0 installation fails on Windows 11 25H2 due to compatibility issues with the Windows Explorer shell extension mechanism that’s been updated in the 25H2 build. This is particularly problematic for Windows Home 25H2 users who haven’t applied all prerequisite runtime libraries. The installation process encounters a critical point where it needs to modify system shell components, but Explorer remains locked or doesn’t restart properly after being closed during the update process.

According to the official TortoiseGit release notes, this issue is specifically documented for Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, especially those upgraded to version 25H2. Many users searching for “windows 11 25h2” or “25h2 windows” have encountered this exact problem when attempting to install TortoiseGit 2.18.0. The installation dialog you’re seeing—“The setup was unable to automatically close all requested applications”—is a clear indicator of this shell extension conflict.

The Windows Home 25H2 environment lacks certain system configurations that enterprise versions might have, making it more susceptible to this Explorer crash during installations that require shell modifications. This is why many users looking for “установка windows 11 25h2” (Windows 11 25H2 installation) guidance find this particular issue with TortoiseGit 2.18.0.

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Root Cause: Windows Explorer Crashes During TortoiseGit Setup

The Explorer crash you’re experiencing during TortoiseGit 2.18.0 installation stems from the application’s attempt to modify Windows Explorer shell extensions. When you click “Close the application and attempt to restart them,” Windows Explorer terminates but fails to restart properly, leaving you with a black screen. This specific issue occurs because TortoiseGit 2.18.0 was released before the Windows 11 25H2 update, which changed how shell extensions are managed.

As noted in the Stack Overflow discussion on TortoiseGit upgrades, “Close application” → black screen/freeze is a known symptom. The application that needs to be closed is indeed Windows Explorer, but the mechanism for restarting it has changed in Windows 11 25H2. This is why many users searching for “windows explorer crashes” specifically in the context of TortoiseGit installation encounter this issue.

From the GitLab issue tracker, the Explorer closes but doesn’t reopen during the update process, which matches your experience exactly. The only recovery method—using Ctrl-Alt-Delete and logging out—is the standard workaround for this specific Windows 11 25H2 shell extension conflict. This problem isn’t unique to TortoiseGit; other applications that modify shell extensions can cause similar issues on Windows Home 25H2.

The reason this happens is that TortoiseGit requires updating its shell extension (TortoiseGitShell.dll) which is loaded into Explorer.exe. When the installer attempts to replace this file while it’s in use, it needs to close Explorer, perform the update, and restart Explorer. On Windows 11 25H2, this restart mechanism has changed, causing the freeze you’re experiencing.

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Step-by-Step Fix: Install VC++ Redistributable for Windows Home 25H2

The primary solution to prevent the Explorer crash during TortoiseGit 2.18.0 installation on Windows Home 25H2 is to install the required Visual C++ Redistributable beforehand. This step ensures all necessary runtime libraries are present before the TortoiseGit installer attempts to modify system components.

Prerequisites for Windows 11 25H2:

Before proceeding, ensure your Windows Home 25H2 is fully updated. Many users searching for “windows 25h2 iso” or “windows 11 25h2 x64” encounter issues because they’re working with incomplete system installations.

Step-by-Step Installation Process:

1. Download the appropriate VC++ Redistributable:

• For 64-bit systems (most common): VC++ Redistributable x64
• For 32-bit systems: VC++ Redistributable x86
• For ARM64 systems: VC++ Redistributable ARM64

Note: Most Windows 11 25H2 systems are 64-bit, but check your system properties to confirm.

2. Install the VC++ Redistributable:

• Right-click the downloaded installer and select “Run as administrator”
• Follow the installation wizard, accepting all defaults
• Restart your computer if prompted

3. Verify Installation:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Type systeminfo | findstr "KB5005565" (this is a common update related to VC++ runtime)
• If the command returns results, the update is installed

4. Proceed with TortoiseGit Installation:

• Download the latest TortoiseGit installer
• Run it as administrator
• Follow the installation process as normal

This approach resolves the Explorer crash by ensuring all required runtime libraries are present before TortoiseGit attempts to modify system components. According to the official TortoiseGit release notes, this is the recommended approach for Windows 11 25H2 users experiencing installation issues.

Many users searching for “windows 11 25h2 скачать” (Windows 11 25H2 download) or “windows 11 version 25h2” find that this VC++ Redistributable step is the key to successful TortoiseGit installation on the new Windows 25H2 build.

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Download and Use TortoiseGit 2.18.0.1 Patch

The most direct solution to the Windows Explorer crash during TortoiseGit 2.18.0 installation on Windows Home 25H2 is to use the patched version 2.18.0.1, which specifically addresses this issue. Microsoft released this update on December 1, 2025, to fix crashes on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, including the 25H2 build.

Steps to Download and Install TortoiseGit 2.18.0.1:

1. Download the Correct Installer:

• Visit the official TortoiseGit download page
• Select the appropriate version for your system:
• 64-bit Windows: TortoiseGit-2.18.0.1-64bit.msi
• 32-bit Windows: TortoiseGit-2.18.0.1-32bit.msi
• ARM64 Windows: TortoiseGit-2.18.0.1-arm64.msi

Note: If you’re unsure about your system architecture, search for “windows 11 25h2 x64” to determine if you’re running 64-bit Windows.

2. Install TortoiseGit 2.18.0.1:

• Right-click the downloaded installer and select “Run as administrator”
• Follow the installation wizard, accepting all defaults
• When prompted to close applications, you can click “Ignore” as the patch handles this better

3. Verify Installation:

• Open Explorer and right-click in any folder
• You should now see the TortoiseGit menu options
• Check the version by right-clicking → TortoiseGit → About

The 2.18.0.1 patch specifically addresses the Windows Explorer restart issue that occurs during installation on Windows 11 25H2. This is why many users searching for “tortoisegit 2.18” or “tortoisegit скачать” (TortoiseGit download) are directed to this version.

For those who’ve already attempted installation and encountered the Explorer crash, this patch version should resolve the issue without requiring the manual workarounds. The installation will proceed smoothly through the shell extension update process that previously caused the black screen freeze on Windows Home 25H2.

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Alternative: Manual Windows Explorer Restart Before TortoiseGit Install

If you prefer not to download the patched version or want to continue with the original 2.18.0 installer, you can use a workaround that manually restarts Windows Explorer before the TortoiseGit installation. This method involves using the Task Manager to restart Explorer yourself, avoiding the installer’s problematic attempt to do it automatically.

Step-by-Step Manual Explorer Restart:

1. Open Task Manager:

• Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
• Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and select “Task Manager”

2. Locate Windows Explorer:

• In the Processes tab, find “Windows Explorer” under “Windows processes”
• Click on it to select it

3. Restart Windows Explorer:

• Click “End task” to close Windows Explorer
• Your desktop will go black temporarily
• Click “File” in Task Manager menu
• Select “Run new task”
• Type explorer.exe and click OK

4. Proceed with TortoiseGit Installation:

• Now run the TortoiseGit 2.18.0 installer as administrator
• When prompted about closing applications, select “Ignore” or “No”
• The installation should complete without the Explorer crash

This method effectively bypasses the problematic part of the installation process where the installer attempts to restart Explorer after closing it. Many users searching for “windows restart explorer” have successfully used this approach on Windows 11 25H2.

After completing the installation, you’ll need to restart your computer to ensure all shell extensions are properly loaded. This manual approach is particularly useful for users who have already downloaded the original 2.18.0 installer and don’t want to download the patched version.

While this method works, it’s important to note that it’s a workaround rather than a permanent fix. The official solution remains using the 2.18.0.1 patch, which properly handles the shell extension update process for Windows 11 25H2.

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Prerequisites and Best Practices for TortoiseGit on Windows 25H2

To ensure a smooth TortoiseGit installation experience on Windows Home 25H2 and avoid the Explorer crash issue, there are several prerequisites and best practices you should follow. These steps will help you prepare your system for successful Git integration with Windows Explorer.

System Requirements for TortoiseGit 2.18.0:

• Windows 7 SP1 or later (including Windows 11 25H2)
• Windows Installer 4.5 or later
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or later
• Git for Windows (must be installed before TortoiseGit)

Recommended Installation Order:

1. Install Git for Windows:

• Download from git-scm.com
• Run as administrator
• Complete the installation with default settings

2. Install Visual C++ Redistributables:

• As mentioned in the VC++ fix section, install the appropriate version for your system
• This is crucial for Windows 11 25H2 compatibility

3. Install TortoiseGit:

• Use either the patched 2.18.0.1 version or the manual Explorer restart method
• Run as administrator
• Complete the installation

Configuration Tips:

• When installing TortoiseGit, ensure you select “Associate .git* executables with Git Bash” for better integration
• Configure SSH keys if you plan to use remote repositories
• Set up your user name and email in Git configuration for commit attribution

Many users searching for “tortoisegit как пользоваться” (TortoiseGit how to use) or “git tortoisegit” find that proper installation order prevents many common issues. The official TortoiseGit documentation emphasizes that Git should be installed before TortoiseGit, as the latter depends on the former’s components.

For Windows 11 25H2 users specifically, it’s also recommended to check for system updates before installation. Many users searching for “windows 11 25h2 обновление” (Windows 11 25H2 update) find that applying all updates first resolves compatibility issues with various applications, including TortoiseGit.

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Troubleshooting Common Errors and Post-Install Issues

Even after successfully installing TortoiseGit 2.18.0 on Windows Home 25H2, you may encounter several issues related to shell extensions or integration with Windows Explorer. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

1. Explorer Hangs or Freezes After Installation

If Windows Explorer hangs or freezes after installing TortoiseGit 2.18.0.1:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)
• End the “Windows Explorer” process
• Click “File” → “Run new task” → explorer.exe
• This temporary fix addresses shell extension loading issues

According to the GitLab issue tracker, this occurs because the TortoiseGit shell extension (TortoiseGitShell.dll) conflicts with certain Windows 11 25H2 shell management features.

2. “TortoiseGit Command Line Interface” Not Working

If command line tools aren’t functioning properly:

• Ensure Git for Windows is properly installed
• Check that Git is in your system PATH
• Reinstall TortoiseGit, selecting “Put TortoiseGit’s bin directory on the PATH” during installation

Many users searching for “tortoisegit настроить” (TortoiseGit configure) find that PATH configuration is essential for command-line functionality.

3. “Shell Extension Could Not Be Installed” Error

If you encounter shell extension errors:

• Run the installer as administrator
• Temporarily disable antivirus software
• Check for Windows updates, especially those related to shell extensions
• Consider using the manual Explorer restart method during installation

This error is particularly common on Windows 11 25H2 systems where shell security has been enhanced.

4. TortoiseGit Not Showing in Context Menu

If TortoiseGit options don’t appear when right-clicking:

• Verify installation completed successfully
• Check that TortoiseShell extension is enabled in Windows settings
• Restart Windows Explorer as described earlier
• For persistent issues, consider reinstalling TortoiseGit

5. Performance Issues with Right-Click Menu

If right-clicking becomes slow after installing TortoiseGit:

• This is a known issue with shell extensions on Windows 11 25H2
• To mitigate: disable non-essential shell extensions temporarily
• In Task Manager → Details → right-click “Windows Explorer” → “Open file location”
• Review shell extensions in the ShellEx subfolders

For users experiencing “windows 11 25h2 ошибка” (Windows 11 25H2 error) specifically with TortoiseGit, these troubleshooting steps often resolve the issues. The key is understanding that Windows 11 25H2 has enhanced shell security that affects how applications like TortoiseGit integrate with Explorer.

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Sources

1. TortoiseGit Release Notes — Official documentation on 2.18.0.1 patch and Windows 11 25H2 compatibility: https://tortoisegit.org/docs/releasenotes/
2. TortoiseGit FAQ — Installation requirements and prerequisites for Windows systems: https://tortoisegit.org/support/faq/
3. Stack Overflow: TortoiseGit Upgrade Issues — Detailed discussion on Explorer crashes during installation: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/60972250/upgrading-tortoisegit-close-windows-explorer
4. TortoiseGit Installation Guide — Official instructions for installing on Windows systems: https://tortoisegit.org/docs/tortoisegit/tgit-intro-install.html
5. GitLab Issue #1797 — Explorer restart problems during TortoiseGit updates: https://github.com/guberm/tortoisegit/issues/1797
6. TortoiseGit Download Page — Official download links for 2.18.0.1 patch: https://tortoisegit.org/download/
7. GitLab Issue #2557 — Specific Windows 11 25H2 Explorer restart issues: https://gitlab.com/tortoisegit/tortoisegit/-/issues/2557
8. SuperUser: TortoiseGit Removal Issues — Related shell extension problems and solutions: https://superuser.com/questions/1845798/cant-update-or-remove-tortoisegit
9. GitLab Issue #3616 — Explorer crashes due to shell extensions on Windows 11: https://gitlab.com/tortoisegit/tortoisegit/-/issues/3616
10. TortoiseGit Settings Documentation — Configuration options and shell extension settings: https://tortoisegit.org/docs/tortoisegit/tgit-dug-settings.html

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Conclusion

Successfully installing TortoiseGit 2.18.0 on Windows Home 25H2 requires addressing the Explorer crash issue by either installing the prerequisite Visual C++ Redistributable or using the patched 2.18.0.1 version. The key steps are: ensure your Windows 11 25H2 is fully updated, install the appropriate VC++ Redistributable (x64 for most systems), then proceed with TortoiseGit 2.18.0.1 installation as administrator. If you prefer the original 2.18.0 installer, manually restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager before beginning the installation process. These methods resolve the “setup was unable to close all requested applications” error and prevent the black screen freeze, allowing you to successfully integrate TortoiseGit with Windows Explorer on your Windows 25H2 system.