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In order to apply a setting, make a tweak, or resolve a problem with the Windows shell, this post will demonstrate how to Restart Windows Explorer In Windows 11/10. Windows Explorer is a default process in Windows 11 and is in charge of the user interface and shell, file manager, taskbar, Start menu, etc. Its other name is explorer.exe, which should not be confused with Internet Explorer.
It may occasionally be necessary to restart it to apply UI adjustments or changes or to bring the system back to life. Windows Explorer is susceptible to crashes and hangs just like any other native Windows process or third-party application. When that happens, Windows 11’s explorer.exe needs to be restarted.
How to Restart Windows Explorer In Windows 11/10
via Task Manager
- Open the Task Manager by right-clicking on an empty spot on the taskbar and then clicking the Task Manager option.
- In the Task Manager, click the More details option if you don’t get the full version of the Task Manager.
- Under the Processes tab, look for Windows Explorer entry. Right-click on Windows Explorer and then click the Restart option to restart the Windows File Explorer (Explorer.exe). If Windows Explorer is missing from the processes list, please open any folder on your PC and try again.
via PowerShell
- Type Windows PowerShell in the Start/taskbar search field and then press the Enter key to open the PowerShell.
- At the PowerShell window, execute the following command to restart the File Explorer.
- stop-process -name explorer -force
- Press Enter key to close and automatically start the File Explorer.
What happens when you restart Windows explorer?
When you restart Windows Explorer, the user shell is shut down and then restarted, just like when you restart any other application. The desktop, taskbar, Start Menu, and File Explorer, among other processes that depend on it, will all reload as a result, resolving any minor problems that may have existed.
Restarting Windows Explorer usually takes care of any system lag or freezing issues. Knowing how to do this is beneficial because it is one of the quickest fixes for a stuttering desktop or a non-responsive taskbar.
FAQ
How do I Restart Explorer in Windows 11 context menu?
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager, then right-click Windows Explorer and select “Restart” to restart Windows Explorer.
- You could also lunch it from the Power User Menu.
- Click the “Processes” tab in the Task Manager.
Why do I have to restart Windows Explorer?
There are many reasons that should be responsible for Windows Explorer keeping restarting. One of the most popular reasons is that the third-party program installation or uninstallation process is not completed. Other reasons could be: corrupted files, software conflict, virus attack, etc.
How do I restart Windows Explorer when it doesn’t work?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start Task Manager. Find File Explorer in Task Manager and choose End task. Click File on the upper left corner and then choose Run new task. Then input explorer.exe in the box and then press Enter to restart it immediately.
Why wont my Explorer start?
The most common reasons a Ford Explorer won’t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
What is the refresh key in Windows 11?
Also available on older versions of Windows, Microsoft has decided to keep this method for Windows 11 as well. To use it, simply press the F5 key and your computer will be refreshed. If you press and hold the F5 button, your system will keep refreshing as long you hold the key.
Why does F5 not refresh in Windows 11?
Right-click the start menu and access Task Manager; Click Startup and disable all programs that start with Windows; Check now if the F5 key works normally; I hope I have helped, see you soon.