What happens if you restart Windows Explorer?
Restarting Windows Explorer can sometimes be a necessary step to resolve various issues on your Windows computer. Windows Explorer is the file manager and shell in Windows, responsible for managing files, folders, and other system resources. When you restart Windows Explorer, several things occur that can impact your system’s performance and functionality.
1. Termination of Processes
When you restart Windows Explorer, all the processes associated with it are terminated. This includes the taskbar, Start menu, and other system components that rely on Windows Explorer. As a result, you may experience a momentary interruption in these features.
2. Loading of System Resources
After the processes are terminated, Windows Explorer begins to load all the necessary system resources. This includes loading the user interface, file system drivers, and other components required for file management. The time it takes to load these resources can vary depending on your computer’s hardware and the number of files and folders you have.
3. Performance Improvement
Restarting Windows Explorer can sometimes improve system performance. It can help resolve issues such as slow file browsing, freezing, or unresponsive icons. By restarting the process, you give the system a fresh start, which can resolve memory leaks or other performance-related problems.
4. Security Enhancements
Restarting Windows Explorer can also enhance system security. It can help remove malicious software or malware that may be running in the background. When you restart the process, the system scans for potential threats and removes them, ensuring a safer computing environment.
5. Restoration of Default Settings
In some cases, restarting Windows Explorer can restore default settings for certain system components. This can be helpful if you have customized settings that are causing issues or conflicts. By restarting the process, you reset these settings to their default values, which may resolve the problem.
6. Potential for System Instability
While restarting Windows Explorer can be beneficial, it can also lead to system instability in certain situations. If the process is not loaded correctly, you may encounter errors or other issues. Additionally, if you restart Windows Explorer while other applications are running, it can cause crashes or data loss.
7. Troubleshooting and Advanced Options
If you encounter issues with Windows Explorer, you can try advanced troubleshooting methods. These include running the System File Checker, performing a clean boot, or using the Windows Recovery Environment. Restarting Windows Explorer is just one of the many steps you can take to resolve these problems.
In conclusion, restarting Windows Explorer can have various effects on your Windows computer. It can improve performance, enhance security, and restore default settings. However, it can also lead to system instability if not done correctly. Always ensure that you save your work and follow proper troubleshooting steps when restarting Windows Explorer to avoid any potential issues.
