Efficient Strategies to Revive Windows Explorer After a Crash- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Restart Windows Explorer When It Crashes

Windows Explorer is a crucial component of the Windows operating system, responsible for managing files, folders, and other system resources. However, like any software, it can sometimes crash, causing frustration and inconvenience. When Windows Explorer crashes, you may encounter issues such as a black screen, a frozen cursor, or an inability to access your files. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to restart Windows Explorer when it crashes, ensuring that your system remains functional and your files are safe.

1. Use the Task Manager to Restart Windows Explorer

The Task Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to manage running processes, including Windows Explorer. To restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager, follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Go to the “Processes” tab.
3. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
4. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “End Task” to close the process.
5. Click “File” in the upper-left corner of the Task Manager, then select “New Task (Run…)”.
6. Enter “explorer.exe” in the “Create new task” window and click “OK” to restart Windows Explorer.

2. Restart Windows Explorer from the Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is another way to restart Windows Explorer when it crashes. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Enter “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. Type “taskkill /f /im explorer.exe” and press Enter to force quit Windows Explorer.
4. Enter “start explorer.exe” and press Enter to restart Windows Explorer.

3. Restart Windows Explorer from the System Configuration

The System Configuration utility allows you to configure various settings for Windows, including restarting Windows Explorer. To restart Windows Explorer using System Configuration, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Enter “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the “Services” tab.
4. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box to uncheck all Microsoft services.
5. Scroll down and find “Windows Explorer” in the list of services.
6. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Disable” to prevent it from starting automatically.
7. Click “OK” and restart your computer.
8. After the computer restarts, go back to the System Configuration window and select “Enable” for “Windows Explorer” to restart the service.

4. Use a Third-Party Tool to Restart Windows Explorer

There are several third-party tools available that can help you restart Windows Explorer when it crashes. These tools often provide additional features, such as automatic crash recovery and system optimization. Some popular options include:

• Process Explorer by Microsoft
• Task Manager by NirSoft
• System Mechanic by Iolo Technologies

Conclusion

When Windows Explorer crashes, it can be frustrating, but there are several methods to restart it and get your system back up and running. By using the Task Manager, Command Prompt, System Configuration, or a third-party tool, you can quickly resolve the issue and continue working on your computer. Remember to regularly back up your files to prevent data loss in case of a system crash.