Windows Explorer (also known as File Explorer) is the backbone of Windows 11’s interface. It manages your desktop, taskbar, and all those file navigation windows you use daily. But sometimes, you may need to kill Windows Explorer—maybe it’s frozen, acting buggy, or eating up resources.
The problem? Once you shut it down, your desktop and taskbar disappear, leaving you staring at a blank screen. The good news is, starting Windows Explorer back up is simple. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the methods to restart or relaunch Windows Explorer after killing it in Windows 11.
Why Restart Windows Explorer?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Restarting Explorer can:
-
Fix freezing issues when the taskbar or Start menu isn’t responding.
-
Refresh the desktop without rebooting the whole system.
-
Apply changes to system tweaks, registry edits, or UI customizations.
-
Save time compared to restarting your PC.
Think of it as giving your PC a quick “reset button” for its interface.
What Happens When You Kill Windows Explorer?
When you end Explorer.exe, the following things usually happen:
-
The desktop icons vanish.
-
The taskbar disappears.
-
The Start menu won’t open.
Don’t panic—your system is still running. All apps keep working in the background; you’ve just removed the “shell” that holds the interface.
Method 1: Restart Explorer from Task Manager
This is the easiest and most common method.
Steps:
-
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
-
If it’s minimized, click More details.
-
Go to the Processes tab.
-
Scroll down and find Windows Explorer.
-
Right-click it and select Restart.
If Explorer is already killed, move to the next method to start it fresh.
Method 2: Start Explorer via Task Manager (New Task)
If Explorer.exe is no longer running, you’ll need to manually relaunch it.
Steps:
-
Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
-
Click File > Run new task.
-
Type explorer.exe and hit Enter.
Your desktop and taskbar should instantly reappear.
Method 3: Launch Explorer from Command Prompt
If Task Manager isn’t responding, Command Prompt has your back.
Steps:
-
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
-
In Task Manager, go to File > Run new task.
-
Type
cmdand press Enter to open Command Prompt. -
In Command Prompt, type:
-
Press Enter.
This starts Explorer just like Task Manager would.
Method 4: Start Explorer Using PowerShell
Windows PowerShell works similarly to Command Prompt but is more powerful.
Steps:
-
Open Task Manager → File > Run new task.
-
Type
powershelland hit Enter. -
In PowerShell, type:
-
Press Enter to run the command.
Method 5: Run Explorer from Windows Security Screen
If your screen is completely blank and Task Manager won’t show, try this:
Steps:
-
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
-
Choose Task Manager.
-
From here, follow the earlier steps to run a new task and start Explorer.
Method 6: Create a Shortcut for Easy Restarts
If you often restart Explorer, why not make it a one-click process?
Steps:
-
Right-click on your desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
-
Enter this command:
-
Click Next and give it a name like Restart Explorer.
-
Double-click the shortcut anytime you need a refresh.
Method 7: Restart Explorer Automatically with a Batch File
Another handy trick is using a batch file.
Steps:
-
Open Notepad.
-
Paste the following code:
-
Save the file as restart_explorer.bat.
-
Double-click it to instantly restart Windows Explorer.
Method 8: Use the Run Dialog
The Run box is a quick way to launch Explorer.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + R.
-
Type
explorer.exe. -
Hit Enter.
Your taskbar and desktop will return right away.
Method 9: Sign Out and Back In
If none of the above work, signing out is another way to reload Explorer.
Steps:
-
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
-
Select Sign out.
-
Log back into your account.
This relaunches Explorer along with your session.
Method 10: Reboot as a Last Resort
If Explorer refuses to start, a full system restart is the final solution.
Steps:
-
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
-
Select the Power icon in the bottom-right.
-
Choose Restart.
Though it takes longer, it resets everything.
Troubleshooting Explorer Not Starting
Sometimes Explorer won’t relaunch even after trying these steps. Here’s what to check:
-
Corrupted system files – Run
sfc /scannowin Command Prompt. -
Malware issues – Scan your PC with Windows Security.
-
Broken user profile – Try creating a new user account.
-
Pending updates – Restart after installing Windows updates.
Tips to Avoid Explorer Crashes
-
Keep your system updated.
-
Don’t overload Explorer with too many startup items.
-
Use third-party tools carefully—they can cause conflicts.
-
Clear temporary files regularly to avoid clutter.
Conclusion
Restarting Windows Explorer in Windows 11 might feel scary the first time—suddenly your taskbar and desktop vanish! But now you know it’s just the shell, not the whole system. With methods ranging from Task Manager and Command Prompt to PowerShell and shortcuts, you can bring Explorer back to life in seconds.
So the next time your taskbar freezes or the Start menu refuses to open, skip the full restart and just relaunch Explorer—it’s like giving your PC a quick refresh without the hassle.
FAQs
Q1: What happens if I kill Windows Explorer in Windows 11?
Your desktop, taskbar, and Start menu disappear, but your apps keep running.
Q2: Is it safe to restart Explorer.exe?
Yes! It’s completely safe and often fixes glitches without rebooting your PC.
Q3: Why won’t Explorer.exe start again?
It could be corrupted system files, malware, or a bad Windows update. Try running SFC or restarting your PC.
Q4: Can I set a hotkey to restart Explorer quickly?
Yes, by creating a batch file and assigning it a keyboard shortcut.
Q5: Does restarting Explorer affect open apps or files?
No, your running apps stay open. Only the desktop interface refreshes.