How to Restart Explorer.Exe Safely

The Explorer.exe file is the executable file that runs Windows Explorer. In some Windows systems, such as Windows XP, Windows Explorer may crash. A symptom that Windows Explorer has crash is that the desktop icons and taskbars disappear. Using the Windows Task Manager, Windows Explorer can be safely restarted and the Windows desktop restored.

Instructions

1. Press the "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Del" keys simultaneously. A menu opens.

2. Select "Task Manager" at the bottom of the window. The Windows Task Manager opens.

3. Click the "Processes" tab in the Task Manager interface.

4. Click the "New Task" button.

5. Click "Browse" and navigate to the Explorer.exe file in the Windows directory.

6. Click "OK." Windows Explorer safely restarts, and the Windows desktop is restored.

References

• Microsoft Support; How to Use and Troubleshoot Issues With Windows Task Manager; July 2010

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish