Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 11 is a handy trick for resolving minor system glitches without rebooting your entire PC. This quick guide will show you how to efficiently restart Windows Explorer using simple steps that even a beginner can follow.
How to Restart Windows Explorer in Windows 11
Restarting Windows Explorer will refresh the user interface, close and reopen File Explorer, and often resolve issues like unresponsive windows or a frozen taskbar.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
To begin, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
Task Manager is an essential tool that lets you monitor and manage the programs and processes running on your computer. By using this shortcut, you will directly open Task Manager without any extra clicks.
Step 2: Locate Windows Explorer
Find ‘Windows Explorer’ in the list of processes under the ‘Processes’ tab.
Windows Explorer is usually easy to spot because it’s responsible for your desktop, taskbar, and file management. If you’re having trouble finding it, you can sort the processes by name or scroll down the list to see it.
Step 3: Restart Windows Explorer
Right-click ‘Windows Explorer’ and select ‘Restart.’
When you select ‘Restart,’ Windows will close and immediately reopen Explorer. This action refreshes the interface and often resolves minor issues like freezing or unresponsiveness.
Step 4: Close Task Manager
Close Task Manager by clicking the ‘X’ at the top right corner or pressing Alt + F4.
After restarting Windows Explorer, you can close Task Manager. This step helps you get back to whatever you were doing before without any distractions.
After completing these steps, your desktop and taskbar should refresh, resolving most minor glitches and making your system run smoother.
Tips for Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 11
- Always save your work before restarting Windows Explorer to prevent any data loss.
- If Task Manager is unresponsive, you can also restart Explorer through the Command Prompt by typing ‘taskkill /f /im explorer.exe’ followed by ‘start explorer.exe.’
- Remember that restarting Windows Explorer will close and reopen your open File Explorer windows.
- You can also access Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting ‘Task Manager.’
- If the problem persists, consider updating Windows or running a system scan for more in-depth troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need to restart Windows Explorer?
Restarting Windows Explorer can resolve issues like a frozen taskbar, unresponsive desktop, or sluggish File Explorer without needing to reboot your computer.
Will restarting Windows Explorer close my open files?
No, it won’t close your open files, but it will close and reopen any File Explorer windows you have open. Always save your work to avoid losing data.
Can I restart Windows Explorer using Command Prompt?
Yes, you can restart it by entering ‘taskkill /f /im explorer.exe’ followed by ‘start explorer.exe’ in the Command Prompt.
What if restarting Windows Explorer doesn’t fix the problem?
If the issue persists, consider updating Windows, running a system scan, or checking for software conflicts that might be causing the problem.
Is it safe to restart Windows Explorer?
Yes, it is entirely safe. Restarting Windows Explorer is a common troubleshooting step that doesn’t harm your computer or data.
Summary
- Step 1: Open Task Manager.
- Step 2: Locate Windows Explorer.
- Step 3: Restart Windows Explorer.
- Step 4: Close Task Manager.
Conclusion
Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 11 is a quick and effective way to resolve minor system glitches without the need for a full reboot. By following these simple steps, you can refresh your user interface, address unresponsive windows, and get back to work in no time.
If you frequently encounter such issues, remember that it’s essential to keep your system updated and run regular system scans. Keeping your system in good health ensures that it runs smoothly and efficiently. For more tips and tricks on managing your Windows 11 experience, be sure to browse through other articles and guides. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.