Step 1: Open Task Manager
The first step is to open the Task Manager. You can do this by pressing the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys on your keyboard or right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager” from the menu.
Step 2: Locate File Explorer
Once the Task Manager is open, you will see a list of running processes. Look for “File Explorer” under the “Apps” section.
Step 3: Restart File Explorer
To restart File Explorer, select it from the list and click on the “Restart” button located in the bottom-right corner of the Task Manager window.
Step 4: Check if File Explorer is Restarted
After clicking on the “Restart” button, File Explorer will be closed and then automatically restarted. Once it has restarted, you can check if it is working properly by opening it.
Step 5: Alternative Method
If you prefer using the command prompt, you can also restart File Explorer by following these steps:
- Open the command prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting “Command Prompt” from the results.
- Type “taskkill /f /im explorer.exe” and press Enter. This will close File Explorer.
- Type “start explorer.exe” and press Enter. This will restart File Explorer.
Step 6: Time-Saving Tip
To save time, you can create a shortcut to restart File Explorer on your desktop. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select “New”> “Shortcut”.
- In the “Type the location of the item” field, type “taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer.exe” and click “Next”.
- Give the shortcut a name, such as “Restart File Explorer” and click “Finish”.
Now, whenever you need to restart File Explorer, simply double-click on the shortcut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does File Explorer stop responding?
A: File Explorer may stop responding due to various reasons, such as a software glitch, a corrupted file, or a conflicting program. Restarting File Explorer can often fix the issue.
Q: Can I restart File Explorer without using Task Manager?
A: Yes, you can also restart File Explorer using the command prompt or by creating a shortcut.
Q: Will restarting File Explorer delete my files?
A: No, restarting File Explorer will not delete any of your files. It will simply close and reopen the File Explorer window.
Q: Is it safe to restart File Explorer?
A: Yes, it is safe to restart File Explorer. It is a built-in feature of Windows and is designed to fix any issues with File Explorer.
Q: Do I need to restart my computer if File Explorer is not responding?
A: No, you do not need to restart your computer. Simply restart File Explorer using the methods mentioned in this tutorial to fix the issue. In conclusion, restarting File Explorer is a quick and easy way to fix any issues you may be having with the program in Windows 11. Whether you use Task Manager, the command prompt, or a shortcut, you can get File Explorer up and running again in no time.