If your desktop, taskbar, or File Explorer is acting slow or frozen, restarting Windows Explorer can often fix the issue without needing to restart your whole computer. This guide will show you simple steps to restart the Windows Explorer process.

What is Windows Explorer?

Windows Explorer (the program called explorer.exe) controls important parts of your Windows experience like the desktop, taskbar, Start menu, and file browsing windows. Restarting it refreshes these parts and can solve small problems like freezes or glitches.

Note: When Explorer is stopped, your screen may go black except for your mouse pointer. Don’t worry! You just need to start Explorer again.

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Option 1: Restart Explorer Using Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, find and click on Windows Explorer.
3. Click the Restart button at the bottom right. (If you see Restart task instead, click that.)
4. Your desktop and taskbar will refresh shortly.
5. You can now close Task Manager.

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Option 2: Restart Explorer Using Command

1. Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt:
   • Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste one of the commands below and press Enter:

For PowerShell or Windows Terminal:

powershell "Get-Process -Name explorer | Stop-Process; Start-Process explorer.exe"

For Command Prompt:

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe && start explorer.exe

This will stop and then start the Explorer process, refreshing your desktop and taskbar.

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Option 3: Start Explorer Manually if It’s Stopped

If your screen is black and you only see the mouse pointer, Explorer might be completely stopped. Here’s how to start it again:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Depending on your version of Task Manager:
   • Old Task Manager: Click on File in the menu bar, then select Run new task.
   • New Task Manager: Click Run new task at the top right.
3. Type explorer.exe in the box and click OK.
4. Your desktop and taskbar should now appear again.
5. You can close Task Manager when done.

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Summary

• Windows Explorer controls your desktop, taskbar, and file browsing.
• Restarting Explorer can fix many small problems without restarting your PC.
• You can restart it easily using Task Manager or commands.
• If Explorer stops completely, you can manually start it again using Task Manager.
• These quick fixes save time and keep your Windows running smoothly.

If you want to learn more or see other tips for Windows 11, check out the original guide here: Restart Windows Explorer.exe Process in Windows 11.