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How to Fix File Explorer Icon Missing in Windows 10 Start Menu: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, the File Explorer icon may suddenly disappear from the Windows 10 Start Menu. This can be confusing, especially if you rely on quick access to your files and folders. Fortunately, there are simple ways to bring this icon back.

This guide will walk you through easy and clear steps to fix the missing File Explorer icon. You don’t need to be an expert; just follow along carefully.

By the end, your Start Menu should look normal again, with the File Explorer icon ready to use. Let’s get started.

These methods are designed to work well for most Windows 10 users facing this issue.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before trying any fixes, it’s helpful to check a few things first. These quick checks might solve the problem without extra steps:

  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart refreshes system icons and menus.
  • Check if File Explorer is running: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look for File Explorer under the “Processes” tab. If it’s not running, you can start it manually.
  • Ensure Windows is up to date: Updates often fix small bugs that cause icon issues.
  • Verify if the icon is hidden or removed: Sometimes, accidental changes hide File Explorer from the Start Menu.

Step 1: Pin File Explorer to the Start Menu Manually

If the icon is missing, you can add it back by pinning File Explorer manually. This is the easiest and quickest solution.

  1. Click on the Search bar or press Windows key + S.
  2. Type File Explorer.
  3. When File Explorer appears in the search results, right-click it.
  4. Select Pin to Start from the context menu.

This will add the File Explorer icon back to your Start Menu tiles. You can drag and drop the icon to place it where you want.

Step 2: Check the Start Menu Settings

Sometimes, the File Explorer icon can be turned off in Start Menu settings. Here’s how to check and fix this:

  1. Click on the Start button and then select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Personalization.
  3. Click on Start in the left sidebar.
  4. Scroll down and click on Choose which folders appear on Start.
  5. Make sure the toggle for File Explorer is turned On.

Turning this on ensures that the File Explorer icon shows up on the left side of the Start Menu.

Step 3: Restart Windows Explorer Process

Sometimes, the Start Menu can glitch because the Windows Explorer process needs to be refreshed. Restarting it can fix missing icons.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Under the “Processes” tab, find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.

This will reload the Start Menu and taskbar, often restoring missing icons like File Explorer.

Step 4: Use PowerShell to Re-register Start Menu

If the icon still doesn’t appear, re-registering the Start Menu using PowerShell can help fix corrupted system files related to the Start Menu.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This command will re-register all built-in Windows apps, including the Start Menu and File Explorer shortcuts.

Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

Step 5: Create a New Shortcut for File Explorer

If the icon is missing only on the Start Menu tiles but works elsewhere, creating a new shortcut can be a helpful workaround.

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
  2. In the location field, type: explorer.exe and click Next.
  3. Name the shortcut File Explorer and click Finish.
  4. Right-click the new shortcut and select Pin to Start.

This creates a fresh File Explorer icon that you can access via the Start Menu.

FAQs

Why did my File Explorer icon disappear from the Start Menu?

This can happen due to Windows updates, accidental changes in settings, or minor system glitches.

Can I restore the icon without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, the steps above can restore the icon without any need for reinstalling the operating system.

Will restarting Windows Explorer affect my open files?

Restarting Windows Explorer closes and reopens the taskbar and desktop interface but does not close your open files or applications.

Is it safe to run the PowerShell command for re-registering apps?

Yes, it is safe and often recommended to fix Start Menu and app-related issues.

What if File Explorer doesn’t open at all?

If File Explorer won’t open, try running a System File Checker scan by typing sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods restore the File Explorer icon, you might consider these options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. A new account can solve this.
  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run the Start Menu troubleshooter if available.
  • System Restore: Roll back your system to a point before the issue started.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for personalized help: https://support.microsoft.com.

Conclusion

Losing the File Explorer icon on the Start Menu can disrupt your workflow, but it is usually easy to fix. Start with simple steps like pinning the icon back or checking settings. If needed, restart Windows Explorer or use PowerShell to repair the system.

Creating a shortcut or checking for system updates also helps resolve the problem quickly. Remember, if all else fails, advanced options like creating a new user or using System Restore are available.

Following this guide should get your File Explorer icon back and your Windows 10 Start Menu working smoothly again.

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