How To Start Windows Explorer In Task Manager

Windows Explorer, known as File Explorer in more recent versions of Windows, is an essential component of the Windows operating system. It provides a graphical user interface for accessing the file systems, allowing users to manage files and folders. On the other hand, Task Manager is a system monitor program used to provide information about the processes and programs running on a computer, as well as the general status of the system. Sometimes, due to various issues, Windows Explorer may crash or need to be restarted. This is where Task Manager becomes a crucial tool for troubleshooting and managing system processes, including the restart of Windows Explorer.

Why You Might Need to Start Windows Explorer from Task Manager

Before diving into the steps of starting Windows Explorer from Task Manager, it’s important to understand why this action might be necessary. There are several scenarios where you might need to restart Windows Explorer:

Crashes: Windows Explorer can become unresponsive or crash due to various reasons, such as system errors or conflicts with third-party software.
Performance Issues: Sometimes, Explorer may slow down or behave erratically, and a restart can help restore normal performance.
System Changes: After installing certain applications or updates, you may need to restart Explorer to apply changes.
Customization: Tweaks involving the taskbar, desktop, or file system may require a refresh of the Explorer process.

How to Launch Task Manager

Before you can start Windows Explorer from Task Manager, you need to know how to open Task Manager itself. There are several ways to do this:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager directly.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then click on “Task Manager” from the screen that appears.
Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu.
Type “Task Manager” in the Windows search bar and select the application when it appears.

Starting Windows Explorer from Task Manager

Once Task Manager is open, you can proceed to start or restart Windows Explorer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: End the Windows Explorer Process

If Windows Explorer is running but not responding, you’ll first need to end the process:

In Task Manager, navigate to the “Processes” tab.
Scroll down to find “Windows Explorer” or “explorer.exe” in the list of processes.
Click on it to highlight the process.
Click the “End task” button in the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window.

Step 2: Restart Windows Explorer

After ending the Windows Explorer process, you’ll need to restart it:

In Task Manager, click on “File” in the top-left corner of the window.
Select “Run new task” from the dropdown menu.
In the “Create new task” dialog box, type explorer.exe in the Open field.
Click “OK” or press Enter to restart Windows Explorer.

Step 3: Verify the Restart

Once you’ve restarted Windows Explorer, you should see your taskbar and desktop icons reappear. If they do not, repeat the steps above to ensure that the process starts correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you may encounter issues when trying to restart Windows Explorer. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

If Task Manager itself is unresponsive, you can try restarting your computer.
If Windows Explorer does not appear in the list of processes, ensure you are on the “Processes” tab and not the “Details” tab.
If restarting Windows Explorer does not resolve your issue, consider running a system file checker scan by typing sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt (admin).

Advanced Tips for Power Users

For those who are more experienced with Windows, there are additional tips and tricks for managing Windows Explorer through Task Manager:

Use the “Details” tab in Task Manager to find more information about the explorer.exe process, such as its PID (Process ID).
Explore the “Services” tab to manage related services that might affect Windows Explorer’s performance.
Utilize Command Prompt or PowerShell to restart Windows Explorer with advanced commands and scripts.

FAQ Section

What should I do if Windows Explorer keeps crashing?

If Windows Explorer consistently crashes, consider scanning for malware, checking for system updates, or performing a clean boot to identify if third-party software is causing the issue.

Can I use Task Manager to start other applications besides Windows Explorer?

Yes, you can start any application by clicking “File” > “Run new task” and typing the name of the program’s executable file.

Is there a way to restart Windows Explorer without using Task Manager?

Yes, you can restart Windows Explorer using Command Prompt by typing taskkill /f /im explorer.exe followed by start explorer.exe.

What are the risks of ending the Windows Explorer process?

Ending the Windows Explorer process will temporarily remove your desktop, taskbar, and any open File Explorer windows. However, it is generally safe and can be restarted without causing harm to your system.

Conclusion

Starting Windows Explorer from Task Manager is a valuable skill for any Windows user. It can help resolve issues with the file system interface and is a critical step in troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently manage Windows Explorer and maintain the smooth operation of your computer.

Remember that while this guide provides a comprehensive overview of managing Windows Explorer through Task Manager, it’s always important to approach system management with caution. If you’re ever unsure about a step or encounter persistent issues, seeking professional assistance or consulting online resources can prevent further system complications.

References

For further reading and advanced troubleshooting, consider the following resources:

Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com
Windows Central Forums: https://forums.windowscentral.com/
How-To Geek: https://www.howtogeek.com/