How to Fix explorer.exe Not Starting
Explorer.exe is a crucial system process in Windows that is responsible for managing the graphical user interface (GUI) of the operating system. However, sometimes users may encounter issues where explorer.exe fails to start, leading to a black screen or a non-responsive desktop. In this article, we will discuss various methods to fix the explorer.exe not starting issue on your Windows computer.
1. Restart Your Computer
The simplest solution to many computer problems is to restart your system. This can help resolve temporary glitches that may be causing explorer.exe to fail. To restart your computer, press the Windows key + X, select ‘Restart’ from the menu, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Use Safe Mode
Starting your computer in Safe Mode can help determine if a third-party application or driver is causing the issue. To boot into Safe Mode, press the Windows key + R, type ‘msconfig’ in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. Go to the ‘Boot’ tab, check the ‘Safe boot’ option, and select ‘Minimal’ from the dropdown menu. Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ to restart your computer in Safe Mode.
3. Check for Windows Updates
Outdated or corrupted system files can cause explorer.exe to fail. To ensure your system is up-to-date, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Check for updates and install any available updates. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.
4. Run System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run SFC, press the Windows key + X, select ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’ or ‘Windows PowerShell (Admin)’, and type ‘sfc /scannow’ in the command prompt. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete. Restart your computer if prompted.
5. Perform a System Restore
If the issue started recently, performing a System Restore can help revert your system to a previous state when explorer.exe was working correctly. To perform a System Restore, press the Windows key + R, type ‘rstrui’ in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your system.
6. Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
Some third-party applications may conflict with explorer.exe and cause it to fail. To determine if a recently installed program is causing the issue, press the Windows key + I to open Settings, go to Apps > Apps & features, and select ‘Uninstall’ next to the problematic program. Restart your computer after the uninstallation process is complete.
7. Update Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted device drivers can also cause explorer.exe to fail. To update your drivers, go to Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting ‘Device Manager’. Expand the categories and right-click on the device driver you want to update. Select ‘Update driver’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Reinstall Windows
If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Windows. This will erase all your data, so it is recommended to back up your important files before proceeding. To reinstall Windows, create a bootable USB drive or DVD, and follow the instructions provided by the Windows installation media.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the explorer.exe not starting issue on your Windows computer. If the problem persists, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional technician.
