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Windows Explorer is an essential component of the Windows operating system that allows us to navigate and manage files and folders. However, there may be times when Windows Explorer becomes unresponsive or starts acting glitchy, making it necessary to restart the process. While the conventional method of using the Task Manager to restart Windows Explorer is commonly known, there are alternative methods that can be used. In this blog post, we will explore various methods that can help you restart Windows Explorer in Windows 10 without using the Task Manager.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we delve into the different methods to restart Windows Explorer, it is important to note that no additional software or tools are required. All of the methods described in this blog post can be performed using the built-in features of the Windows 10 operating system.
What Requires Your Focus?
To successfully restart Windows Explorer using the methods described in this blog post, your focus should primarily be on following the step-by-step instructions carefully. Pay attention to the keystrokes, commands, or buttons mentioned in each method, as executing them correctly is crucial for achieving the desired outcome.
Method 1. Using the Command Prompt
The first method we will explore involves using the Command Prompt to restart Windows Explorer. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "cmd" (without quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Command Prompt.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
Step 4: After executing the command, the Windows Explorer process will be terminated. To restart it, type the following command and press Enter: start explorer.exe
Step 5: Windows Explorer will now restart, and you should see the File Explorer window open.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick and easy method using the Command Prompt. | 1. Requires familiarity with the Command Prompt and command line interface. |
| 2. Does not require the Task Manager to be opened. | 2. Terminating Windows Explorer may cause any unsaved work to be lost. |
| 3. Provides a straightforward way to restart Windows Explorer. | 3. May not work if the Command Prompt is not accessible. |
Method 2. Via the File Explorer
The second method we will look at involves restarting Windows Explorer using the File Explorer. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Click on the "View" tab in the File Explorer ribbon.
Step 3: In the "Options" section, click on the "Change folder and search options" button. This will open the Folder Options window.
Step 4: In the Folder Options window, go to the "View" tab.
Step 5: Scroll down until you find the "Launch folder windows in a separate process" option. Check the box next to this option to enable it.
Step 6: Click the "Apply" button, followed by the "OK" button.
Step 7: Close all File Explorer windows.
Step 8: Open a new File Explorer window, and Windows Explorer will automatically restart.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Can be done directly from the File Explorer interface. | 1. Requires access to the Folder Options window. |
| 2. Enables the separate launch of folder windows as individual processes. | 2. Requires the user to manually close all File Explorer windows. |
| 3. Allows Windows Explorer to be restarted without the Task Manager. | 3. May not work if the Folder Options window is not accessible. |
Method 3. Using the Command Line
The third method we will discuss involves using the command line to restart Windows Explorer. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X, then select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu. This will open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
Step 3: After executing the command, the Windows Explorer process will be terminated. To start it again, type the following command and press Enter: start explorer.exe
Step 4: Windows Explorer will now restart, and you should see the File Explorer window open.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Can be done from an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window. | 1. Requires administrative privileges to open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window. |
| 2. Provides a quick way to terminate and restart Windows Explorer. | 2. Terminating Windows Explorer may cause any unsaved work to be lost. |
| 3. Does not require the Task Manager to be opened. | 3. May not work if administrative privileges are not available. |
Method 4. Via the Taskbar
The fourth method we will explore involves using the Windows taskbar to restart Windows Explorer. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
Step 2: From the context menu that appears, click on "Task Manager." This will open the Task Manager window.
Step 3: In the Task Manager window, go to the "Processes" tab.
Step 4: Scroll down until you find the "Windows Explorer" process. Right-click on it and select "Restart."
Step 5: Windows Explorer will now restart, and you should see the File Explorer window open.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Can be done directly from the Windows taskbar. | 1. Requires access to the Task Manager window. |
| 2. Provides a simple method to restart Windows Explorer. | 2. Requires the user to manually open the Task Manager. |
| 3. Does not require any specialized knowledge or commands. | 3. May not work if the Task Manager is not accessible. |
Why Can’t I Restart Windows Explorer?
Sometimes, you may encounter issues where restarting Windows Explorer is not possible. Here are some reasons why this might happen and their potential fixes:
1. Issue: Windows Explorer is not responding.
Fix: Try using the Task Manager to end the Windows Explorer process, and then restart it.
2. Issue: The Task Manager is not accessible.
Fix: Use one of the alternative methods described in this blog post, such as using the Command Prompt or the File Explorer.
3. Issue: System resources are exhausted or the operating system has encountered an error.
Fix: Restart your computer. This will automatically terminate and restart all processes, including Windows Explorer.
Implications and Recommendations
Restarting Windows Explorer can help resolve various issues related to file management and system responsiveness. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, consider the following recommendations:
1. Save your work before restarting Windows Explorer to avoid any potential data loss.
2. Familiarize yourself with different methods to restart Windows Explorer, as the Task Manager may not always be accessible or the most convenient option.
3. Regularly update your operating system and keep your software up to date to minimize the occurrence of issues that may require the restart of Windows Explorer.
5 FAQs about Restarting Windows Explorer
Q1: Can restarting Windows Explorer cause any data loss?
A: Yes, forcibly terminating Windows Explorer using any method may result in the loss of any unsaved work. It is recommended to save your work before attempting to restart Windows Explorer.
Q2: Will restarting Windows Explorer affect my open applications?
A: Restarting Windows Explorer should not affect your open applications directly. However, any application windows that are associated with Windows Explorer, such as File Explorer windows, may be closed during the restart process.
Q3: How often should I restart Windows Explorer?
A: Restarting Windows Explorer is generally only necessary when you encounter issues with the file management system or user interface. There is no specific frequency at which you should restart Windows Explorer.
Q4: Can I restart Windows Explorer on older versions of Windows?
A: Yes, the methods described in this blog post can also be used to restart Windows Explorer on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1.
Q5: Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry to restart Windows Explorer?
A: Modifying the Windows Registry can have serious consequences if not done correctly. It is recommended to use the built-in methods described in this blog post to restart Windows Explorer, as they are safer and more user-friendly.
Final Words
Restarting Windows Explorer can be a useful troubleshooting step when encountering issues related to file management and system responsiveness. By following the methods described in this blog post, you can easily restart Windows Explorer without relying solely on the Task Manager. Remember to save your work before attempting to restart Windows Explorer to avoid any potential data loss.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":" Can restarting Windows Explorer cause any data loss?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, forcibly terminating Windows Explorer using any method may result in the loss of any unsaved work. It is recommended to save your work before attempting to restart Windows Explorer."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Will restarting Windows Explorer affect my open applications?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Restarting Windows Explorer should not affect your open applications directly. However, any application windows that are associated with Windows Explorer, such as File Explorer windows, may be closed during the restart process."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" How often should I restart Windows Explorer?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Restarting Windows Explorer is generally only necessary when you encounter issues with the file management system or user interface. There is no specific frequency at which you should restart Windows Explorer."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I restart Windows Explorer on older versions of Windows?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, the methods described in this blog post can also be used to restart Windows Explorer on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry to restart Windows Explorer?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Modifying the Windows Registry can have serious consequences if not done correctly. It is recommended to use the built-in methods described in this blog post to restart Windows Explorer, as they are safer and more user-friendly."}}]}
