Windows Explorer (explorer.exe), also known as File Explorer in newer versions of Windows, is a crucial component of the operating system that allows you to navigate and manage your files and folders. In addition to that, the process is also linked with several system components such as the desktop, taskbar, system tray, etc. When something goes wrong with the process, Explorer might stop responding, causing your desktop and taskbar to disappear or freeze, requiring you to restart it.
There are several ways to restart Explorer. However, the easiest way is to run Windows Explorer from Task Manager. The good thing is, this method works even when your system is not responding and you can even end unresponsive tasks that caused the explorer process to not respond.
In this step-by-step tutorial, let me guide you through launching Explorer from task manager, allowing you to regain control over the desktop and File Explorer. Let’s get started.
Run Windows Explorer from Task Manager on Windows 11
To start Explorer from Task Manager, follow the steps below.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete shortcut.
- Choose the Task Manager option.
- Go to the Processes on the sidebar.
- Click on the Run new task button at the top.
- Type explorer in the Run window.
- Click the Ok button.
- With that, the explorer process will run/start.
Let’s see these steps in detail:
First, open the Task Manager window. If your system is not responding, press the “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” shortcut on your keyboard and select the Task Manager option. If your system is working normally, either press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut or right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, go to the “Processes” tab and click on the “Run new task” button at the top.
Now, type “explorer” (without quotes) in the Run window and click the Ok button. This action runs a new instance of Windows Explorer. If the previous instance is unresponsive, it will automatically end that process before restarting the Explorer process.
That is it. It is that simple to run Explorer from Task Manager.
I hope this tutorial helped you learn how to launch Explorer from Task Manager.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
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