What happens if you close Windows Explorer in Task Manager?
Closing Windows Explorer in Task Manager can lead to a range of consequences, some of which can be quite disruptive to your computing experience. Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is a crucial component of the Windows operating system that manages file system access and provides a graphical user interface for file management. When you close it through Task Manager, several things can occur.
Firstly, the most immediate effect is the loss of access to the file system and the graphical user interface for file management. This means you won’t be able to navigate through your files, folders, and drives, or perform any actions such as copying, moving, or deleting files. This can be particularly problematic if you were in the middle of an important task or if you need to access specific files immediately.
Secondly, closing Windows Explorer can cause system instability. Windows Explorer is responsible for managing many system-level tasks, including the taskbar, system tray, and the desktop. Without it, these elements may stop functioning correctly, leading to a cluttered interface or the inability to interact with them. In some cases, you might encounter a blue screen of death (BSOD) or other system crashes.
Additionally, closing Windows Explorer can disrupt the performance of other applications. Many programs rely on Windows Explorer to access files and folders, so if it’s not running, these applications may not work as expected. This can lead to errors, crashes, or a complete inability to use certain software.
It’s worth noting that closing Windows Explorer in Task Manager is not the same as simply minimizing or closing File Explorer windows. The former terminates the entire process, while the latter only closes the visible windows. Terminating the process can also have the following effects:
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Disruption of file system monitoring: Windows Explorer constantly monitors the file system for changes. Without it, this monitoring will stop, which could result in missed updates or changes to files and folders.
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Loss of file system indexing: Windows Search, which relies on Windows Explorer, may stop indexing files, leading to slower search results.
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Impact on system restore points: Windows Explorer is involved in creating system restore points. Without it, the creation of restore points may be affected, reducing the number of available restore points or potentially causing system restore to fail.
While closing Windows Explorer in Task Manager can have serious consequences, there are some situations where it might be necessary. For example, if Windows Explorer is not responding and you can’t close it through the normal interface, using Task Manager can be a last resort. However, it’s important to understand the potential risks before proceeding.
In conclusion, closing Windows Explorer in Task Manager can lead to a loss of file system access, system instability, and disruptions to other applications. It’s generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary, and if you do need to terminate the process, it’s important to do so with caution and be prepared for the potential consequences.
