How to Restart the Windows File Explorer

A handy trick when things go cattywampus

If the Windows Start menu or taskbar starts acting up or you havetrouble using File ExplorerorWindows Search, you don’t have to perform a complete system reboot to resolve the issue.

Instead, restart the Windows Explorer process, and the problem will likely disappear. Troubleshooting aside, that’s also a quick way to apply changes to the graphical user interface and the system registry.

There are several methods to restart Windows File Explorer in Microsoft Windows 10 and 11. We’ll take turns going through each of them below.

Restart the Windows Explorer Process via Task Manager

The most straightforward way to restart Windows Explorer is to use theTask Manager app in Windows 11and 10. Just:

Alternatively, you can quit Windows Explorer manually before relaunching it. To do that:

Tip: In Windows 10, it’s possible to shut down Windows Explorer without the Task Manager (although you still need it to restart the explorer.exe process). PressCtrl+Shift, right-click a vacant area within the taskbar, and selectExit Explorer.

Use the Command Prompt or Create a BAT File

If you’re a command line geek, use the Command Prompt console or Windows PowerShell to restart File Explorer. Just:

taskkill/f /im explorer.exe

startexplorer.exe

exit

Or, add the commands into abatch file (BAT)if you want a nifty desktop shortcut that you can double-click to restart explorer.exe. To do that:

Restarting Windows File Explorer

Knowing how to reboot the File Explorer process in Windows 10 and 11 helps you save precious seconds—or even minutes—compared to a total operating system reboot. Don’t forget to create a BAT file if you want to speed things up.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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How to Restart the Windows File Explorer#

Restart the Windows Explorer Process via Task Manager#

Use the Command Prompt or Create a BAT File#

Restarting Windows File Explorer#