How to Start Windows Explorer After Killing It in Windows 10: A Guide

Ever found yourself in a pickle after killing Windows Explorer in Windows 10? Don’t worry! Restarting it is a breeze. You can do it swiftly by using the Task Manager or Command Prompt. Follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have Windows Explorer up and running again in no time!

How to Start Windows Explorer after Killing it in Windows 10

In this section, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to restart Windows Explorer. This will help restore your desktop, taskbar, and file explorer without needing to reboot your computer.

Step 1: Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

This will bring up the Task Manager, where you can manage all running processes and applications on your PC.

Step 2: Click on “File” in the Task Manager

In the top-left corner, click on the "File" menu.

This step is important because it allows you to access the function you need to restart Windows Explorer.

Step 3: Select “Run new task”

Click on "Run new task" from the dropdown menu.

Selecting this option will open a dialog box where you can type in the command to start Windows Explorer again.

Step 4: Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter

In the dialog box, type “explorer.exe” and press Enter.

By doing this, you are instructing Windows to restart the Windows Explorer process, which will bring back your desktop and taskbar.

Step 5: Confirm that Windows Explorer has restarted

Check to see if your desktop, taskbar, and file explorer are back to normal.

If everything is back to normal, then you have successfully restarted Windows Explorer. If not, try repeating the steps.

After completing these steps, your desktop, taskbar, and file explorer should be restored. This process effectively restarts Windows Explorer, allowing you to get back to your tasks without rebooting your system.

Tips for How to Start Windows Explorer after Killing it in Windows 10

• Always save your work before restarting Windows Explorer. This ensures you don’t lose any unsaved data.
• If Task Manager doesn’t open with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, try Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager from the options.
• Sometimes, restarting your computer can be the easiest fix if restarting Windows Explorer doesn’t work.
• You can also use the Command Prompt to restart Windows Explorer by typing taskkill /f /im explorer.exe and then start explorer.exe.
• For a more permanent solution, ensure your Windows system is up to date, as bugs causing this issue are often fixed in updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Task Manager doesn’t open?

If Task Manager doesn’t open using Ctrl + Shift + Esc, you can try Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager from the options.

Can I restart Windows Explorer using Command Prompt?

Yes, you can. Open Command Prompt and type taskkill /f /im explorer.exe followed by start explorer.exe.

Why did Windows Explorer stop working?

Windows Explorer can stop working due to various reasons like software glitches, corrupted system files, or insufficient system resources.

Do I need to restart my computer?

Not necessarily. Restarting Windows Explorer through Task Manager or Command Prompt usually fixes the issue without needing a reboot.

Is there a way to prevent Windows Explorer from crashing?

Keeping your system and drivers updated, running regular virus scans, and not overloading your system with too many tasks at once can help prevent crashes.

Summary

1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click on “File” in the Task Manager.
3. Select “Run new task”.
4. Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter.
5. Confirm that Windows Explorer has restarted.

Conclusion

Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 10 is a handy trick that can save you from a lot of hassle. Whether it’s a quick fix for a frozen taskbar or a way to get back to work without rebooting your system, knowing how to restart Windows Explorer can be a lifesaver.

Remember, it’s always good practice to save your work regularly and keep your system updated to avoid running into such issues often. If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it for future reference.

For more tips and tricks on managing your Windows 10 system, stay tuned to our blog. We cover everything from troubleshooting common problems to optimizing your PC’s performance. Happy computing!