How to Uninstall and Reinstall Explorer
If you’re experiencing issues with Windows Explorer, you might consider uninstalling and reinstalling it to resolve the problems. This process can help fix corrupted files, improve performance, or address any compatibility issues. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to uninstall and reinstall Explorer on your Windows system.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To begin the process, you need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type “cmd” in the search bar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results and select “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: Disable Windows Explorer
Next, you’ll need to disable Windows Explorer using the Command Prompt. Enter the following command and press Enter:
“`
taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F
“`
This command will force close all instances of Windows Explorer. After executing this command, you might see a “Windows is not responding” message, which is normal.
Step 3: Uninstall Windows Explorer
Now that Windows Explorer is disabled, you can proceed to uninstall it. Run the following command in the Command Prompt:
“`
reg delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe /v “Debugger” /f
“`
This command will delete the registry entry that associates Windows Explorer with a debugger, effectively unloading it from the system.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
After uninstalling Windows Explorer, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Step 5: Reinstall Windows Explorer
When your computer restarts, Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall Windows Explorer. If it doesn’t, you can manually start the process by running the following command in the Command Prompt:
“`
explorer.exe
“`
This command will launch Windows Explorer and complete the installation process.
Step 6: Verify the Installation
Once Windows Explorer is reinstalled, verify that it’s working correctly by opening a folder or searching for files. If you encounter any issues, you may need to repeat the process or seek further assistance.
In conclusion, uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Explorer can be an effective solution to various problems. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Windows system runs smoothly with a properly functioning Explorer.
