How to Uninstall File Explorer in Windows 10
Are you looking to uninstall File Explorer in Windows 10 for any reason? While it is not a common practice, there might be situations where you want to remove the default file management tool from your system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling File Explorer in Windows 10. Please note that this action is irreversible, and you will lose access to all the functionalities provided by File Explorer. However, before proceeding, let’s explore the reasons why you might want to uninstall it.
Reasons to Uninstall File Explorer in Windows 10
1. Performance Issues: Some users may experience slow performance or system crashes when using File Explorer. Uninstalling it could potentially improve your system’s performance.
2. Customization: If you prefer using a third-party file explorer, you might want to uninstall the default one to avoid any conflicts or unwanted features.
3. Compatibility: In some cases, certain third-party applications may not work properly with the default File Explorer, leading to errors or crashes. Uninstalling it could help resolve compatibility issues.
4. Security Concerns: While File Explorer is generally secure, there might be concerns about potential vulnerabilities. Removing it can be an additional layer of security, though it is not a guaranteed solution.
How to Uninstall File Explorer in Windows 10
Now that you understand the reasons to uninstall File Explorer, let’s move on to the steps involved. Please note that the following process is risky and can lead to system instability. Proceed at your own risk.
1. Backup Your Data: Before making any changes to your system, ensure that you have a backup of all your important data.
2. Create a System Restore Point: To revert to the previous state if something goes wrong, create a system restore point. This can be done by searching for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and following the on-screen instructions.
3. Disable File Explorer: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
4. Enter the Command: In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and press Enter:
“`
reg delete HKCR\CLSID\{F3A6E7A1-2C9A-4A5E-B0D3-6E7F1E9CFC5E} /f
“`
This command deletes the registry entry for File Explorer, effectively disabling it.
5. Restart Your Computer: After executing the command, restart your computer to apply the changes.
6. Verify the Disabling of File Explorer: Once your computer restarts, try opening File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E. If it doesn’t open, you have successfully disabled File Explorer.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the reasons to uninstall File Explorer in Windows 10 and provided step-by-step instructions on how to do so. Please remember that this action is irreversible and can lead to system instability. It is advisable to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding. If you encounter any issues, you can always restore your system to its previous state using the system restore point created earlier.
