How to Start Explorer.exe from Task Manager
Starting the Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) from Task Manager can be a useful troubleshooting step if you encounter issues with your desktop or file explorer. Whether it’s due to a system crash, a corrupted file, or a simple misconfiguration, knowing how to manually start Explorer.exe can help you regain control of your system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of starting Explorer.exe from Task Manager.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
To begin, press the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys simultaneously to open Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
Step 2: Navigate to the Processes Tab
Once Task Manager is open, click on the “Processes” tab. This tab displays a list of all running processes on your computer, including system processes and applications.
Step 3: Find and Select Explorer.exe
Scroll through the list of processes and locate “Explorer.exe.” This is the process responsible for managing your desktop and file explorer. Once you find it, click on it to select it.
Step 4: End the Process
With Explorer.exe selected, click on the “End Task” button at the bottom of the window. A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to end the task. Click “End Task” to proceed.
Step 5: Restart Explorer.exe
After ending the Explorer.exe process, you will need to restart it. To do this, click on the “File” menu at the top-left corner of Task Manager, then select “New Task (Run…)” from the dropdown menu.
Step 6: Enter Explorer.exe
In the “Create New Task” window, type “explorer.exe” in the “Open” field. This will start the Windows Explorer process.
Step 7: Click “OK” to Confirm
After entering “explorer.exe,” click “OK” to confirm the action. Task Manager will close, and your desktop and file explorer should now be operational.
By following these steps, you can successfully start Explorer.exe from Task Manager. This can be a helpful technique for troubleshooting issues with your desktop or file explorer, and it’s a valuable addition to your Windows troubleshooting toolkit.
