"Fix: Windows 10 Explorer.exe Not Starting"

Windows 10 explorer.exe not starting is a frustrating issue that can occur due to various reasons, from software conflicts to corrupted system files. In this article, we will explore the possible causes and solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve this problem.

Causes of Explorer.exe Not Starting in Windows 10

When Windows 10 Explorer.exe fails to launch, it can disrupt your workflow and hinder your ability to access files and applications. Some common causes of this issue include:

• Corrupted system files
• Malware infections
• Outdated or corrupted drivers
• Conflicting software
• Hardware issues

The good news is that fixing Explorer.exe can be done with a few simple steps and some careful troubleshooting. Let's get started!

Method 1: Restart your Computer and try to Launch Explorer Manually

This might seem like a basic solution, but it's often the simplest and most effective way to resolve the issue. When you restart your computer, Windows 10 will try to reload the explorer.exe process. You can also manually launch Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard or by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Task Manager and then clicking on File > Run New Task and typing 'explorer.exe.'

After restarting your computer or manually launching explorer.exe, check if the issue persists.

Method 2: Run the Windows 10 Troubleshooter

If restarting your computer doesn't resolve the issue, you can run the built-in Windows 10 troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the problem. Here's how:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot PC.
2. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
3. Look for the File Explorer troubleshooter and click on it.
4. Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter and let it diagnose the issue.
5. If it finds any problems, it will likely provide a solution or fix them automatically.

Method 3: Run the DISM and SFC Scans

Corrupted system files can also prevent Explorer.exe from starting. You can fix this by running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans. Here's how:

Method 4: Re-register the Windows Shell

Re-registering the Windows Shell can resolve the issue by resetting the Windows 10 Explorer. Here's how:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
regsvr32 shell32.dll

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, you may want to try a few additional troubleshooting steps:

• Check for malware and viruses using an anti-virus software.
• Update your Windows 10 operating system.
• Check for driver updates.