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How to Fix Windows Explorer Needs Restarted Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows Explorer is an essential part of the Windows 11 operating system. It helps you navigate files, folders, and system resources easily. Sometimes, you may encounter an error message saying, “Windows Explorer needs to be restarted.” This can interrupt your workflow and cause frustration.

This article will guide you through simple and effective ways to fix this error. The instructions are designed to be easy to follow, even if you are new to Windows troubleshooting.

By the end, you will know how to restart Windows Explorer properly and prevent this error from happening again. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Understanding why this error happens will also help you keep your system running smoothly.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Save Your Work: Restarting Windows Explorer will close open File Explorer windows, so save any important files before proceeding.
  • Check for Updates: Sometimes, bugs causing this error are fixed in Windows updates. Make sure your system is up to date.
  • Basic System Health: Run a quick antivirus scan to rule out malware interference.
  • Close Other Apps: Shut down unnecessary programs that might be causing conflicts.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer Using Task Manager

This is the easiest and quickest way to fix the error. Restarting Windows Explorer refreshes the graphical interface and clears minor glitches.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
  2. In the Task Manager window, scroll down to find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
  3. Click on Windows Explorer to select it.
  4. Click the Restart button at the bottom right of the Task Manager window.
  5. You will see the taskbar and desktop icons disappear for a moment and then reload. This means Windows Explorer has restarted.

This simple restart often resolves the issue immediately.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

If restarting Explorer does not fix the problem, corrupted system files might be causing the error. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. The scan will start and may take some time. Do not close the window until the process is complete.
  5. If the tool finds any corrupted files, it will attempt to repair them automatically.
  6. Once finished, restart your computer and check if the error still appears.

Running SFC ensures that your Windows system files are intact and working properly.

Step 3: Use DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

If the SFC scan does not resolve the issue, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can fix deeper problems with the Windows system image.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (follow the steps from Step 2).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Each command checks and repairs different parts of the system image. This process may take several minutes.

After it completes successfully, restart your PC and see if Windows Explorer works without errors.

Step 4: Disable Quick Access in File Explorer

Sometimes, the Quick Access feature in File Explorer can cause instability, leading to restart errors.

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click on the three dots (More options) in the toolbar and select Options.
  3. Under the General tab, find the section labeled Privacy.
  4. Uncheck the boxes for Show recently used files in Quick access and Show frequently used folders in Quick access.
  5. Click Clear to remove the history, then click OK.
  6. Restart your computer and check if the problem persists.

Disabling Quick Access reduces the chance of corrupted cache causing the restart error.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

If the problem continues, it could be related to your user profile. Creating a new user account can help isolate this issue.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add account under Other users.
  4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  5. Enter a username and password for the new account and complete the setup.
  6. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
  7. Check if Windows Explorer runs without the restart error in the new profile.

If the error no longer occurs, your original user profile may be corrupted and require further repair or data backup.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Restart Explorer

If Task Manager is not responding, you can use PowerShell to restart Windows Explorer.

  1. Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force
Start-Process explorer.exe

This will force stop and then start the Explorer process, effectively restarting it.

FAQs

Why does Windows Explorer need to be restarted?

Windows Explorer may need to be restarted due to software glitches, corrupted files, or conflicts with other software. Restarting refreshes the interface and clears temporary issues.

Will restarting Windows Explorer close my open files?

Restarting Windows Explorer closes File Explorer windows but does not close other open applications or unsaved files.

Can malware cause Windows Explorer errors?

Yes, malware or viruses can interfere with system processes, including Explorer. Running a full antivirus scan is recommended if errors persist.

Is it safe to use the Command Prompt for these fixes?

Yes, running the System File Checker and DISM commands is safe and officially recommended by Microsoft to repair system issues.

How often should I restart Windows Explorer?

You only need to restart Windows Explorer when you notice issues like freezing, unresponsiveness, or error messages.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above methods and the error still occurs, it may indicate a deeper system problem. Here are some final steps to consider:

  • Perform a System Restore: Revert your system to a previous working state using System Restore points.
  • Reset Windows 11: Use the Reset feature in Settings to reinstall Windows without affecting your personal files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for professional assistance.

Conclusion

The “Windows Explorer needs to be restarted” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually easy to fix. Starting with a simple restart of Explorer and then moving on to system scans helps resolve most issues.

Disabling features like Quick Access or creating a new user profile can also help isolate the cause. Always keep your system updated and scan for malware regularly to prevent such errors.

By following the steps outlined here, you can quickly get your Windows Explorer back to normal and maintain a smooth Windows experience.

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