How to Restart Windows Explorer on Windows 10 After It Has Been Terminated

How to Start Windows Explorer After Killing It in Windows 10

Are you frustrated with the inconvenience of having to restart Windows Explorer every time it crashes or stops responding in Windows 10? You’re not alone. Many users have encountered this issue and are looking for a quick and easy solution to get their file explorer back up and running. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to start Windows Explorer after killing it in Windows 10, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.

Step 1: Open Task Manager

The first step to starting Windows Explorer after killing it is to open Task Manager. There are several ways to do this, but the most straightforward method is to press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard. This will immediately open Task Manager.

Step 2: Navigate to the Processes Tab

Once Task Manager is open, you will see several tabs across the top. Click on the “Processes” tab to view a list of all currently running applications and processes on your computer.

Step 3: Find Windows Explorer

Scroll through the list of processes to find “Windows Explorer” in the list. If you can’t find it, you may need to click the “Show processes from all users” option at the bottom of the window to see all running processes.

Step 4: End the Windows Explorer Process

Once you’ve found the Windows Explorer process, right-click on it and select “End Task.” This will close the process and terminate Windows Explorer.

Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer

Now that you’ve ended the Windows Explorer process, it’s time to restart it. There are a couple of ways to do this:

– Option 1: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard, then select “Task Manager” from the menu. In Task Manager, click the “File” menu and select “Run new task.” Type “explorer.exe” in the “Create new task” dialog box and press Enter.
– Option 2: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter.

Either of these methods will restart Windows Explorer and bring back your file explorer interface.

Step 6: Troubleshoot the Cause

If you frequently find yourself needing to restart Windows Explorer, it’s important to identify and fix the underlying cause. Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot the issue:

– Update your drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause Windows Explorer to crash. Make sure your drivers are up to date.
– Scan for malware: Malware infections can cause various issues, including problems with Windows Explorer. Run a full system scan using your preferred antivirus software.
– Check for disk errors: Use the built-in Windows utility, “Check Disk,” to scan your hard drive for errors and fix any issues found.

By following these steps, you should be able to start Windows Explorer after killing it in Windows 10 without any issues. If you continue to experience problems, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support or a professional technician.