How to Restart Windows Explorer Windows 10?

Restarting Windows Explorer can be a great way to fix some common issues in Windows 10. It’s a quick and easy process that most users can do in a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to restart Windows Explorer in Windows 10. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for making sure the process goes smoothly. So if you’re having trouble with Windows Explorer, read on to find out how to get it back up and running.

Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 10

Windows Explorer (also known as the File Explorer) is an integral part of the Windows 10 operating system. It is the application used to explore and manage the files on your computer, as well as access external storage devices such as USB drives and memory cards. Since Windows Explorer is a core part of the Windows 10 experience, it is important to know how to restart it in case it stops responding or crashes. In this article, we will discuss the steps that you need to take in order to restart Windows Explorer in Windows 10.

Identify the Problem

The first step in restarting Windows Explorer is to identify the problem. If you are experiencing issues such as slow loading times or the application crashing, you may need to restart Windows Explorer. Other symptoms of a problem with Windows Explorer include frequent error messages or the application not responding to mouse or keyboard input. Once you have identified the issue, you can proceed to the next step.

Restart Windows Explorer

The next step is to restart Windows Explorer. There are two ways to do this: you can either use the Task Manager or the Command Prompt. To use the Task Manager, press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys on your keyboard and then select the “Task Manager” option. In the Task Manager window, select the “Processes” tab and then scroll down to find the “Windows Explorer” process. Right-click on the process and select the “End Task” option.

Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt to restart Windows Explorer. To do this, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. In the dialog box, type “cmd” and then press the Enter key. In the Command Prompt window, type “taskkill /f /im explorer.exe” and then press the Enter key. This will force Windows Explorer to restart.

Check for Updates

Once you have restarted Windows Explorer, it is important to check for any available updates. To do this, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. In the Settings app, select the “Update & Security” option and then select the “Check for Updates” button. This will check for any available updates and install them if necessary.

Reboot the System

If you are still experiencing issues with Windows Explorer, you may need to reboot the system. To do this, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. In the Settings app, select the “Update & Security” option and then select the “Restart Now” button. This will reboot the system and may help to resolve any lingering issues with Windows Explorer.

Disable Add-Ons

If you are still experiencing issues with Windows Explorer, you may need to disable any installed add-ons. To do this, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. In the dialog box, type “inetcpl.cpl” and then press the Enter key. This will open the Internet Properties window. In the window, select the “Programs” tab and then select the “Manage Add-ons” button. From here, you can disable any installed add-ons that may be causing issues with Windows Explorer.

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

If all else fails, you may need to uninstall any unnecessary applications that may be causing issues with Windows Explorer. To do this, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. In the dialog box, type “appwiz.cpl” and then press the Enter key. This will open the Programs and Features window. In the window, select the application that you want to uninstall and then select the “Uninstall” button. Once you have uninstalled the application, you can check to see if the issue with Windows Explorer has been resolved.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windows Explorer?

Windows Explorer is a file management application that comes as part of the Windows 10 operating system. It allows you to manage and view the files and folders on your computer. You can also use it to access networked drives and access files on other computers.

How do I restart Windows Explorer in Windows 10?

To restart Windows Explorer in Windows 10, you need to open the Task Manager. You can open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the Taskbar and selecting Task Manager. Once in the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and find Windows Explorer in the list. Right-click on it and select Restart. This will restart the Windows Explorer process.

What happens when I restart Windows Explorer?

When you restart Windows Explorer, it will close any open windows and then reload itself. This can be helpful if you’re having problems with Windows Explorer, as it will reload the program and any associated settings. It can also help speed up your computer, as Windows Explorer can sometimes become sluggish if it has been running for a long time.

Can I restart Windows Explorer without restarting my computer?

Yes, you can restart Windows Explorer without restarting your computer. As mentioned above, you can do this by opening the Task Manager and restarting the Windows Explorer process. This will close any open windows and then reload the program.

Are there any risks to restarting Windows Explorer?

No, there are no risks associated with restarting Windows Explorer. As long as you restart the process through the Task Manager, you should be fine. However, if you force quit Windows Explorer or end the process in any other way, you may experience issues with your computer.

What should I do if Windows Explorer crashes?

If Windows Explorer crashes, it is best to try to restart it using the Task Manager. If this does not work, you may need to restart your computer. If the issue persists, you may need to reinstall Windows or run a virus scan to check for any malicious software.

Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 10 is a relatively easy process. It may be necessary to do when your computer is running slow or certain functions are not working properly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily restart Windows Explorer and get your computer working properly again. Remember to save your work before restarting Windows Explorer and use caution when making changes in the task manager. With just a few clicks, you can easily restart Windows Explorer and get your computer running smoothly again.