Starting Windows Explorer After Killing It: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is Windows Explorer?
Windows Explorer is a built-in file management tool in Windows that allows users to navigate, view, and manage files and folders on their computer. It’s a crucial utility that helps users organize and manage their digital life.
Why Do I Need to Start Windows Explorer After Killing It?
Sometimes, Windows Explorer might become unresponsive or stuck, causing users to lose access to their files and folders. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:
- Corrupted system files: Corrupted system files can cause Windows Explorer to become unresponsive.
- System crashes: System crashes can cause Windows Explorer to become unresponsive.
- Malware infections: Malware infections can cause Windows Explorer to become unresponsive.
How to Start Windows Explorer After Killing It
If you’re experiencing issues with Windows Explorer, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start it again:
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
The first step to start Windows Explorer is to restart your computer. This will ensure that your system is restarted completely, and Windows Explorer is reloaded.
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Method 1: Press the Power Button
- Press the power button on your computer to restart it.
- This will take a few seconds to complete.
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Method 2: Press the Windows Key + X
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
- This will open the Start menu.
- Click on the "Restart" option.
- This will restart your computer.
Step 2: Check for System Crashes
After restarting your computer, you may need to check for system crashes. This can help you identify if the issue is related to a corrupted system file or a system crash.
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Method 1: Check for System Crashes
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "msconfig" and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, click on the "Startup" tab.
- Look for any entries that are set to "Delayed Start" or "Auto Run".
- Check if any of these entries are set to "Startup" or "Auto Run".
- If you find any, right-click on the entry and select "Disable".
- Click "OK" to save the changes.
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Method 2: Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - This will scan your system for corrupted system files and replace them if necessary.
Step 3: Check for Malware Infections
If you suspect that your system is infected with malware, you may need to run a virus scan to detect and remove any malicious files.
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Method 1: Run a Virus Scan
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- Type the following command and press Enter:
malwarebytes.com - This will run a virus scan on your system.
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Method 2: Use an Anti-Virus Program
- You can also use an anti-virus program to scan your system for malware.
- Make sure to download and install a reputable anti-virus program.
Step 4: Check for Corrupted System Files
If you suspect that your system files are corrupted, you may need to check for any issues with the system files.
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Method 1: Check for Corrupted System Files
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - This will scan your system for corrupted system files and replace them if necessary.
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Method 2: Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - This will scan your system for corrupted system files and replace them if necessary.
Conclusion
Starting Windows Explorer after killing it can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you should be able to get it started again. Remember to restart your computer, check for system crashes, and run a virus scan to ensure that your system is clean and secure. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may need to check for corrupted system files or malware infections.