The Windows Explorer process (explorer.exe) is a critical component of the Windows operating system that manages the graphical user interface, including the Start menu, taskbar, and file management. When explorer.exe fails to start automatically at Windows boot, it can leave users staring at a black screen or command prompt with limited functionality. This issue often occurs after Windows updates or due to corrupted system files. Let’s explore some effective methods to resolve this problem and get your Windows interface back up and running.
Run SFC and DISM Scans
Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans can repair corrupted Windows system files that may be preventing explorer.exe from starting properly.
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt by pressing Windows + X and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
Step 2: Run the SFC scan by typing the following command and pressing Enter:
sfc /scannow
Step 3: After the SFC scan completes, run the DISM scan with this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 4: Restart your computer after both scans finish to apply any repairs.
Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup is a Windows feature that can sometimes interfere with the proper loading of explorer.exe. Disabling it may resolve the issue.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: Navigate to “Power Options” > “Choose what the power buttons do”.
Step 3: Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
Step 4: Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended)”.
Step 5: Click “Save changes” and restart your computer.
Create a New User Account
If the problem is related to a corrupted user profile, creating a new user account can often resolve the issue.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select “Task Manager”.
Step 2: Click “File” > “Run new task”.
Step 3: Type cmd and check the box for “Create this task with administrative privileges”.
Step 4: In the Command Prompt, type the following command to create a new user:
net user NewUsername NewPassword /add
Replace “NewUsername” and “NewPassword” with your desired credentials.
Step 5: Make the new user an administrator by typing:
net localgroup administrators NewUsername /add
Step 6: Restart your computer and log in with the new user account to see if explorer.exe starts correctly.
Modify Registry Settings
Incorrect registry settings can prevent explorer.exe from starting. Modifying these settings may fix the problem, but be cautious when editing the registry as incorrect changes can cause system instability.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Step 3: Find the “Shell” value in the right pane. If it doesn’t exist, right-click in the right pane, select “New” > “String Value”, and name it “Shell”.
Step 4: Double-click “Shell” and set its value to:
explorer.exe
Step 5: Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing explorer.exe to fail.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
Step 3: Check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all”.
Step 4: Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
Step 5: Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
Step 6: Close Task Manager, click “OK” in System Configuration, and restart your computer.
If explorer.exe starts correctly after a clean boot, gradually re-enable services and startup items to identify the conflicting application.
These methods should help resolve the explorer.exe not starting issue in most cases. If the problem persists, consider running a malware scan, as some malicious programs can interfere with Windows processes. As a last resort, you may need to consider performing a Windows repair installation or a clean install if all other methods fail.