Most of the time, File Explorer, taskbar, and Start menu issues can be fixed with a simple reboot. However, restarting Windows 10/11 means saving your work and closing your running apps. So, restarting the Windows Explorer process is often recommended instead of restarting the PC for Start, taskbar, and File Explorer issues.
Yes, like other running processes, the Windows Explorer process can be restarted right from the Task Manager. However, what to do if the Windows Explorer entry itself does not appear in the Task Manager?
Here is what you need to do if and when you want to restart Windows Explorer and it does not appear in the Windows 10/11 Task Manager.
Fix to the Windows Explorer missing from Task Manager in Windows 10/11
Step 1: Open This PC, Quick Access, or any other folder located anywhere on your computer. This is important as opening any folder, This PC or Quick Access starts the Windows Explorer process.
Step 2: Next, open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar and then clicking the Task Manager option.
Step 3: Click on the More details button if you see the smaller version of the Task Manager.
Step 4: Under the General tab, the Windows Explorer process should show up. Right-click on it and then click the Restart option to restart the Windows File Explorer process.
If the Windows Explorer process is missing, please open any folder or This PC and then try again.
Restart Windows Explorer from Command Prompt
If the Windows Explorer does not show up in the Task Manager, you can use the Command Prompt to restart the Windows Explorer. Here is how.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Type the following commands and press the Enter key to restart the Windows Explorer process.
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
Press Enter key to end the Windows Explorer process.
start explorer.exe
Press the Enter key to start the Windows Explorer process.
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