Are you tired of dealing with Windows Explorer constantly restarting on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system? This frustrating issue can hinder your productivity and make it challenging to get work done. Don’t worry; you’re not alone! In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the possible causes of this issue and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix Windows Explorer restarting.
What Causes Windows Explorer to Restart?
Before we dive into the fixes, it’s essential to understand the possible reasons behind this issue. Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is a critical component of the Windows operating system. It’s responsible for managing files, folders, and system settings. If Windows Explorer keeps restarting, it could be due to:
Corrupted System Files or Registry Entries
Over time, system files and registry entries can become corrupted, leading to issues with Windows Explorer. This can happen due to various reasons, such as a malware infection, improper system shutdown, or a faulty software installation.
Malware or Virus Infections
Malware and viruses can wreak havoc on your system, causing Windows Explorer to malfunction and restart continuously. These malicious programs can infect system files, registry entries, or even hijack system processes.
Conflicting Third-Party Applications
Incompatible or malfunctioning third-party applications can clash with Windows Explorer, causing it to restart repeatedly. This can occur when you’ve installed a new program or updated an existing one.
Driver Issues or Incompatibilities
Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible drivers can cause system instability, leading to Windows Explorer restarts. This is especially true for drivers related to system components, such as graphics cards or storage devices.
System Configuration Issues
Incorrect system configurations, such as incorrect system settings or registry tweaks, can cause Windows Explorer to malfunction and restart.
Fixing Windows Explorer Restarting: Step-by-Step Solutions
Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s dive into the solutions. Follow these step-by-step guides to fix Windows Explorer restarting:
Method 1: Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager
This is the simplest solution to try:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.
- In the Processes tab, find the explorer.exe process and select it.
- Click the Restart button to restart Windows Explorer.
Method 2: Disable and Re-enable Windows Explorer
Try disabling and re-enabling Windows Explorer:
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Explorer.
- Find the Remove Windows Explorer from the Taskbar policy and set it to Disabled.
- Close the Local Group Policy Editor and restart your system.
- After restarting, re-enable Windows Explorer by setting the policy to Not Configured.
Method 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
Use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to scan and fix corrupted system files:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the System File Checker.
- Wait for the scan to complete and then restart your system.
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator again.
- Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter to run the DISM tool.
- Wait for the scan to complete and then restart your system.
Method 4: Update Windows and Drivers
Ensure your system is up-to-date, including drivers:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Update & Security.
- Check for any pending updates and install them.
- Open the Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) and expand each category.
- Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark or a red X, indicating issues.
- Right-click these devices and select Update driver to search for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your system.
Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot
Try a clean boot to isolate the issue:
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
- In the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
- In the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
- Close the Task Manager and System Configuration utility.
- Restart your system and see if Windows Explorer restarts.
- If the issue persists, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.
Additional Tips to Prevent Windows Explorer Restarting
To avoid facing this issue in the future, follow these tips:
Regularly Update Your System and Drivers
Keep your system and drivers up-to-date to prevent issues.
Avoid Installing Untrusted Software
Be cautious when installing new software, and only download programs from trusted sources.
Run Regular System Scans with Antivirus Software
Use reputable antivirus software to scan your system regularly and detect malware infections.
Use the Windows Defender to Scan for Malware
Run regular scans with the built-in Windows Defender to detect and remove malware.
Avoid Tweaking System Settings Unless Necessary
Be careful when tweaking system settings or registry entries, as incorrect changes can cause issues.
By following these methods and tips, you should be able to fix Windows Explorer restarting and prevent it from happening again in the future. Remember to be patient and try each solution step-by-step to ensure you’re addressing the root cause of the issue.
What is Windows Explorer and why does it keep restarting?
Windows Explorer is a file manager application that allows users to browse and manage files and folders on their Windows operating system. It is a critical component of the Windows operating system and is responsible for displaying the desktop, taskbar, and file explorer. However, sometimes Windows Explorer can become unresponsive or crash, causing it to restart repeatedly.
This can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow. There are several reasons why Windows Explorer may keep restarting, including issues with corrupted system files, outdated software, malware infections, and conflicts with other applications. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps and fixes that can help resolve the issue and prevent Windows Explorer from restarting unnecessarily.
What are the common symptoms of Windows Explorer restarting?
When Windows Explorer restarts, you may experience a range of symptoms, including the disappearance of the taskbar, desktop icons, and file explorer windows. You may also notice that your windows and applications are not responding, and you may see an error message or a black screen. In some cases, Windows Explorer may restart repeatedly, making it difficult to work on your computer.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to troubleshoot the issue to identify the cause and apply the necessary fix. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix the Windows Explorer restarting issue and prevent it from occurring in the future.
How do I troubleshoot the Windows Explorer restarting issue?
To troubleshoot the Windows Explorer restarting issue, you can try several steps, including restarting Windows Explorer, disabling add-ons, running the System File Checker tool, and performing a clean boot. You can also try updating your Windows operating system, running a virus scan, and checking for corrupted system files. Additionally, you can try resetting Windows Explorer to its default settings or reinstalling it.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify the cause of the issue and apply the necessary fix. It is essential to be patient and methodical in your approach, as troubleshooting can be a time-consuming process. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and prevent Windows Explorer from restarting unnecessarily.
How do I disable Windows Explorer add-ons?
Disabling Windows Explorer add-ons can help troubleshoot the restarting issue and prevent conflicts with other applications. To disable Windows Explorer add-ons, you can press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “shell:extensions” and press Enter. This will open the Extensions page, where you can view and disable add-ons.
Once you have disabled the add-ons, restart Windows Explorer and see if the issue persists. If the issue is resolved, you can try re-enabling the add-ons one by one to identify the problematic add-on. By disabling add-ons, you can narrow down the cause of the issue and apply the necessary fix.
How do I run the System File Checker tool?
The System File Checker tool is a built-in utility in Windows that scans and replaces corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker tool, you can open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. The tool will scan your system files and replace any corrupted files.
Running the System File Checker tool can help resolve issues with corrupted system files that may be causing Windows Explorer to restart. The tool is easy to use and can be run in a few simple steps. By running the System File Checker tool, you can help ensure that your system files are intact and functional.
How do I perform a clean boot?
Performing a clean boot can help troubleshoot the Windows Explorer restarting issue by starting Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. To perform a clean boot, you can press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “msconfig” and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration utility, where you can select the “Services” tab and hide all Microsoft services.
Once you have selected the “Services” tab, click “Apply” and then restart your computer. Windows will start with a minimal set of drivers and services, allowing you to troubleshoot the issue in a simplified environment. By performing a clean boot, you can identify the cause of the issue and apply the necessary fix.
Is it necessary to reinstall Windows to fix the Windows Explorer restarting issue?
In most cases, it is not necessary to reinstall Windows to fix the Windows Explorer restarting issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and fix the cause of the issue. Reinstalling Windows should be a last resort, as it involves wiping your computer clean and reinstalling all your applications and settings.
Before considering reinstalling Windows, try the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, including restarting Windows Explorer, disabling add-ons, running the System File Checker tool, and performing a clean boot. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and prevent Windows Explorer from restarting unnecessarily.