Restart Explorer

Information

The executable module in Vista that contains the Start Menu, Taskbar, desktop and file manager user interfaces. EXPLORER.EXE is a Windows process that runs automatically at startup and remains an active process. If you have a Explorer error, or you made a change to the system that requires a computer restart to apply, and you do not want to wait for the whole computer to restart to do it, then this gives you a quick restart without restarting the whole system.

NOTE

If you are using Windows Dreamscene or Stardock DeskScapes, then you will get a Dreamscene failure error and the desktop background will go blank when Explorer.exe is restarted. To fix this, simply select any normal wallpaper, then select a Windows Dreamscene or Stardock Deskscapes Dream. For how, see: Desktop Background Wallpaper , DreamScene , or DreamScene Enhanced by DeskScapes

Tip

Doing a logoff and logon acts as a quick restart to.

WARNING

Do not use these methods for a required restart after a program or Windows Update installation. A full computer restart is usually necessary for this.

• How to Shutdown, Restart, Switch User, Log Off, Sleep, or Lock Vista from the Keyboard
• How to Create a Restart Computer Shortcut in Vista
• How to Enable or Disable Task Manager in Vista
• How to Switch Between Regular and Small Footprint Mode in Vista Task Manager
• How to Open and Close a Application and Process in Vista Task Manager
• How to Use the Resource Monitor in Vista

1. To Close Explorer.exe -

A) Open the Start Menu.
B) Press and hold Ctrl+Shift and right click on a empty area of the Start menu. (See screenshot below)
C) Releas Ctrl+Shift and click on Exit Explorer.

Start_Menu.jpg

2. To Restart Explorer.exer -

A) Do steps 1 and 3 in Method Two below.

1. Open Task Manager.
NOTE: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, or right click on the taskbar and click Task Manager.

2. To Close Explorer.exe -

A) Click on the Processes tab. (See screenshot below)
B) Click on explorer.exe and click on the End Process button.

Task_Manager.jpg

C) Click on End Process in the confirmation prompt. (See screenshot below)

Confirm.jpg

D) You will now notice that Explorer has stopped.
NOTE: The taskbar, deskop icons, and any open Windows Explorer windows are now gone.

3. To Restart Explorer.exe -

A) Click on File in Task Manager. (See screenshot for step 3 above)
B) Click on New Task (Run...).
C) Type explorer.exe and click OK. (See screenshot below)

Open.jpg

D) You will notice Explorer restarting.
NOTE: The taskbar and desktop icons will be back.

4. Close Task Manager.