How to Repair explorer.exe in Windows 10
Windows 10 is a robust and feature-rich operating system, but like any software, it can encounter issues. One common problem users face is the explorer.exe error, which can lead to a blue screen of death (BSOD) or cause the system to crash. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to repair explorer.exe in Windows 10 and get your system back up and running smoothly.
Before diving into the repair process, it’s essential to understand what explorer.exe is. Explorer.exe is the executable file that runs the Windows File Explorer, which is the graphical user interface for navigating through files and folders on your computer. If explorer.exe becomes corrupted or damaged, it can cause various problems, including the inability to access your files or the system crashing.
Here are some steps to repair explorer.exe in Windows 10:
- Restart Your Computer
Occasionally, a simple restart can resolve the issue. Save any open work, close all programs, and restart your computer.
- Use Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing the problem. To start in Safe Mode, press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then go to Update & Security > Recovery. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. After your computer restarts, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings. On the next screen, click Restart. Once the computer restarts, press F5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking.
- Run System File Checker
System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and fixes corrupted system files. To run it, open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing “cmd” in the Start menu search bar, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting “Run as administrator.” In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. The process may take some time to complete, so be patient.
- Check for Malware
Malware can cause explorer.exe to malfunction. Use a reputable antivirus program to scan your system for malware and remove any threats found.
- Perform a System Restore
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, you can try performing a system restore to a point before the problem started. To do this, open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Go back to a previous version of Windows, click Get started. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous state.
- Reinstall Windows
As a last resort, you can reinstall Windows. This will erase all your files and settings, so be sure to back up your data before proceeding. To reinstall Windows, insert a Windows installation media, restart your computer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
By following these steps, you should be able to repair explorer.exe in Windows 10 and resolve the issues you’re experiencing. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from a professional or Microsoft support.
