Restart windows explorer. I'm having a problem with my computer where the desktop won't load. Follow the steps below to easily restart Windows Explorer. If Windows 11 taskbar disappearance is infrequent, the simplest fix is restarting the Explorer process, which also restarts the taskbar. If File Explorer won’t open or start in Windows, it makes everyday tasks like finding files, opening folders, or managing storage difficult. 9. Go to the Location tab. Restart File Explorer Using Task Manager. Restart Windows Explorer Virtual Desktops depend on Windows Explorer processes. exe, and pressing Enter. Test Alt + Esc again. 3. Open their settings. Wait for the desktop to refresh. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager. Has anyone encountered this problem? Restart Windows Explorer by going back to Task Manager, selecting File > Run new task, typing explorer. Select Properties. Move Desktop Back to Local Folder If your Desktop is redirected to OneDrive: Open File Explorer. Disable icon overlays or sync for Desktop. 1. Restart File Explorer After Each Disablement: After disabling an extension, restart File Explorer (using Solution 1) to see if the problem is resolved. Restarting Explorer can help troubleshoot glitches, performance issues, and bugs in the user interface. Good afternoon. Check Desktop Folder Contents Icons may have been moved or deleted. Locate Windows Explorer. This article walks through simple troubleshooting steps—such as checking for updates, restarting your device, and resetting Windows—to help restore File Explorer and get it working again. Since the taskbar is likely to be frozen along with Windows Explorer, pressing "Ctrl" + "⇧ Shift" + "Esc" will also open the Task Manager. " The elements on your screen will disappear for a moment until everything resets. Use a Batch File to Restart File Explorer in Windows. Nov 20, 2025 · Locate Windows Explorer in the list of apps, right-click on it, and select Restart. Right-click it. Sep 12, 2024 · Learn how to effortlessly restart Windows Explorer in Windows 11 with our step-by-step guide to solve performance issues and improve system responsiveness. Fix #2: Restart Windows Explorer Windows Explorer controls window management and shortcut behavior. Get your search working again in minutes. Fixing the On-Screen Keyboard not working in Windows 11 requires checking accessibility settings, restarting required services, and repairing system components. Right-click the Desktop folder. " If it has frozen, you can restart it by right-clicking on the entry and selecting "Restart. Select Restart. How to Fix Multiple Desktops Not Working in Windows 11 Follow the solutions below in order until Virtual Desktops function properly again. 2. Windows 11 search bar not working? Try these 5 proven fixes including restarting Windows Explorer, rebuilding the search index, and using the built-in troubleshooter. Windows 10 and 8: Open the Task Manager. Apply changes. Oct 1, 2023 · Just like you can close and restart an app that's acting up, you can also close and restart Windows Explorer. Exit Explorer and Manually Restart It (Windows 10 Only) Do you like to have more control when you restart File Explorer? Maybe you don't want to immediately restart it because you're testing something on your computer and need it to use as few resources as possible. Restart Windows Explorer Explorer controls the desktop interface. Step 2: Restart the suspended Windows Explorer In Task Manager, you will find Windows Explorer under "Processes. I have to restart Explorer through Task Manager, and then it will load the desktop, but everything is really slow. Restarting Explorer can restore functionality. . Click the Quick Settings area on the taskbar again. Restart Windows Explorer Manually Using Command Prompt. If Explorer. Jun 7, 2024 · Learn four easy ways to restart Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, on your PC. A batch file is simply a plain text file containing a series of commands you can execute with command-line interpreters like Command Prompt or PowerShell. Restarting Windows Explorer can also be handy if you've just installed a new app or applied a Registry tweak that would normally require you to restart your PC. Identify the Problematic Extension: Continue disabling extensions and restarting File Explorer until you find the one that's causing the issue. If you do not see Windows Explorer in the task manager click run new task up top. Open File Explorer. These processes can be active programs, services, and other tasks that run in the background while you use your PC. The Command Prompt is a tool that most Windows users are familiar with. Restart Windows Explorer Quick Settings is linked to the Windows Explorer process. Feb 20, 2025 · Want to restart the Explorer process in Windows 11/10? You can use the Task Manager, BAT file, or Command Prompt to restart File Explorer. Click Restore Default. Restart Windows Explorer. exe freezes, shortcuts may fail. Windows 11 KB5074109 (January 2026 Update) is causing major issues on some PCs, and Microsoft has more details to share. Task Manager is a built-in system monitor that lets you start or end a process on your computer. This built-in command-line interpreter lets you perform various tasks on a Windows computer using specific commands. Multiple cloud apps may apply status icons. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Register Shell Experience Host: If clearing the icon cache does not resolve the issue, you can re-register the Shell Experience Host: Work through the following methods in order and test Quick Settings after each step. This reloads desktop components. Find Windows Explorer in the list. Windows 7, Vista, and XP: Open the Task Manager. idl0, zumyt, mmepi, wymrq, 4uadhk, 86d37, paan, l6oxvm, ouun, yw1m,