Introduction
Restart Windows Explorer in Windows 11. Restarting Windows Explorer can quickly resolve issues like a frozen taskbar, missing desktop icons, or general system unresponsiveness. Follow these detailed steps to restart Windows Explorer effectively.
Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager (Quick Method)
This method is the simplest and most common way to restart Windows Explorer.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- If Task Manager opens in the compact view, click More details at the bottom.
- In the Processes tab, scroll down and locate Windows Explorer.
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
- Wait a few seconds for the taskbar and desktop to refresh.
Restart Windows Explorer via Command Prompt (Alternative Method)
If Task Manager is unresponsive, you can use Command Prompt to restart Windows Explorer.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type cmd and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
- taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
- start explorer.exe
- Close the Command Prompt window.
- Your taskbar and desktop will refresh automatically.
Restart Windows Explorer via PowerShell (Advanced Method)
Using PowerShell is another effective way to restart Windows Explorer.
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force
- Start-Process explorer
- Close the Windows Terminal.
- Wait for the desktop and taskbar to refresh.
Restart Windows Explorer via File Explorer (Less Common Method)
This method is useful if you can access File Explorer.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to: C:\Windows\explorer.exe
- Right-click on explorer.exe and select Run as administrator.
- The desktop and taskbar will refresh.
Restart Windows Explorer via Keyboard Shortcut (Quick Method)
Use this method if the mouse is unresponsive.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Press the E key repeatedly until Windows Explorer is highlighted.
- Press Alt + R to restart Windows Explorer.
- Wait for the desktop and taskbar to refresh.
Additional Tips
- Restarting Windows Explorer can temporarily fix UI-related issues.
- If the problem persists, consider updating Windows or checking for malware.
- Restarting Windows Explorer will close any open File Explorer windows.
Conclusion
Restarting Windows Explorer is a straightforward process that can resolve many minor issues in Windows 11. Use the method that works best for your situation, and remember to keep your system updated for the best performance.
How to Restart Windows Explorer in Windows 11. Manglastubh By Ankit Akolkar. Search on Google Free Online Courses