How to Restart Explorer.exe Using CMD
Are you experiencing issues with your Windows operating system, and you suspect that the Explorer.exe process might be causing the problem? Restarting the Explorer.exe process can often resolve various issues such as slow performance, unresponsive windows, or even blue screen errors. In this article, we will guide you through the process of restarting Explorer.exe using the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows.
Why Restart Explorer.exe?
The Explorer.exe process is responsible for managing the user interface of your Windows operating system, including the taskbar, start menu, and file explorer. When this process encounters errors or malfunctions, it can lead to a range of issues. Restarting Explorer.exe can help refresh the system and resolve these problems. Before proceeding, ensure that you have administrative privileges on your computer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restart Explorer.exe Using CMD
1.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
– Press the Windows key and type “cmd” in the search bar.
– Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
– If prompted, click “Yes” to allow the application to make changes to your device.
2.
Terminate the Explorer.exe Process
– In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F
“`
– This command will force the Explorer.exe process to close.
3.
Restart the Explorer.exe Process
– After the Explorer.exe process is terminated, you need to restart it. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
start explorer.exe
“`
– This command will initiate the Explorer.exe process, and you should see your desktop and taskbar reappear.
4.
Verify the Restart
– To ensure that the Explorer.exe process has been successfully restarted, you can use the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and in the Processes tab, check if the “explorer.exe” process is running.
Conclusion
Restarting the Explorer.exe process using the Command Prompt can be a quick and effective solution to various Windows issues. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily terminate and restart the Explorer.exe process, which may help resolve your problems. Remember to have administrative privileges and exercise caution when using the Command Prompt.