What to Do If You Accidentally Closed Windows Explorer
Accidentally closing Windows Explorer can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task. Windows Explorer is a crucial component of the Windows operating system, providing access to files, folders, and other system resources. If you find yourself in a situation where Windows Explorer has been closed unintentionally, here are some steps you can take to get it back up and running.
First and foremost, don’t panic. Many users mistakenly believe that closing Windows Explorer will cause their system to crash or become unstable. However, this is not the case. Windows Explorer can be reopened without any negative consequences. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows Key + E: This is the quickest and simplest way to open Windows Explorer. The Windows key is typically found on the left side of your keyboard, between the Ctrl and Alt keys. Pressing this combination will immediately launch Windows Explorer.
2. Use the Task Manager: If the Windows key + E shortcut doesn’t work, you can try using the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. In the Processes tab, scroll down and find “Windows Explorer” in the list. Right-click on it and select “Restart.” This will restart Windows Explorer and restore its functionality.
3. Check the System Tray: Sometimes, Windows Explorer may not be closed entirely but instead minimized to the system tray. Look for the Explorer icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock. If you see it, click on it to restore Windows Explorer to its normal view.
4. Run the System File Checker: If none of the above methods work, it’s possible that there’s an underlying issue with your system files. To fix this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting “Run as administrator.” In the Command Prompt, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. This will scan your system files for corruption and repair them if necessary.
5. Reinstall Windows Explorer: As a last resort, if all else fails, you can try reinstalling Windows Explorer. This is a more advanced solution and should only be attempted if you’re comfortable with using the Windows installation media. Insert the installation media into your computer, boot from it, and select “Repair your computer” from the options menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair your Windows installation.
Remember, closing Windows Explorer is not a critical issue, and it can usually be resolved with a few simple steps. By following the methods outlined above, you should be able to get Windows Explorer back up and running in no time.
