Windows Explorer, called File Explorer in Windows 10 and Windows 11, is the app you use to browse files and folders. The same program, explorer.exe, also runs your taskbar, Start menu and desktop. That gives “starting Windows Explorer” two meanings: opening a File Explorer window to find your files, or starting explorer.exe again when the taskbar and desktop have disappeared. This guide covers both.
Quick answer
Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer. If your taskbar and desktop are gone, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, click Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.
Part 1: Ways to open File Explorer
1. Keyboard shortcut
Press Windows key + E. This is the fastest method and works in Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11.
2. Taskbar icon
Click the yellow folder icon on the taskbar. If it is missing, open File Explorer another way, right-click its taskbar icon and choose Pin to taskbar.
3. Start menu
Click Start and type File Explorer, then press Enter. In Windows 11 you can also add a File Explorer button next to the power button: go to Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders and turn on File Explorer.
4. Power user menu
Right-click the Start button (or press Windows + X) and choose File Explorer.
5. Run dialog
Press Windows + R, type explorer, and press Enter. You can also type a folder path, such as C:\Users, to open that folder directly.
6. Command Prompt or PowerShell
Type explorer and press Enter, or explorer . (with a period) to open the current folder.
Part 2: Start explorer.exe when the taskbar and desktop are missing
If explorer.exe crashes or is closed, your taskbar, Start button and desktop icons disappear, but other open apps keep running. To start it again:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If that does not work, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager.
- In Windows 11, click Run new task at the top. In Windows 10, click File > Run new task (click More details first if you see the compact view).
- Type explorer.exe and click OK.
The taskbar and desktop reappear within a few seconds.
Part 3: Restart Explorer when it is frozen
If File Explorer, the taskbar or the Start menu is stuck but not gone, restarting explorer.exe usually fixes it without rebooting:
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- On the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and choose Restart.
For more detail and other methods, see how to restart File Explorer in Windows 11 or how to restart Windows Explorer in Windows 10.
Choose where File Explorer opens
By default, File Explorer opens to Home (Windows 11) or Quick access (Windows 10). To open to This PC instead, click the three dots (or View tab in Windows 10), choose Options, and change Open File Explorer to. Click OK.
File Explorer keeps closing or crashing?
- Install updates in Settings > Windows Update.
- Clear File Explorer history: in Folder Options, click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
- Repair system files: open Terminal (Admin) and run sfc /scannow.
- Check add-ons: some cloud storage and context menu tools can crash Explorer. Uninstall recently added ones to test.
Customize File Explorer
Once it is open, you can make File Explorer easier to use. See how to change the font size in File Explorer, or make Windows 11 File Explorer look like Windows 10 if you prefer the older layout.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows Explorer the same as Internet Explorer?
No. Windows Explorer (File Explorer) manages files and folders on your PC. Internet Explorer was Microsoft’s old web browser, which has been retired and replaced by Microsoft Edge.
Can I open several File Explorer windows at once?
Yes. Press Windows + E again to open another window. In Windows 11 you can also press Ctrl + T inside File Explorer to open a new tab, and drag tabs between windows.
How do I open File Explorer as an administrator?
File Explorer itself does not run with administrator rights in normal use. When you try to change a protected folder, Windows asks for permission instead. If you need elevated access to files, use an administrator Command Prompt or Terminal.
Summary
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Or use the taskbar icon, Start menu, Windows + X or Run.
- If the taskbar and desktop are missing, use Task Manager > Run new task > explorer.exe.
- If Explorer is frozen, right-click Windows Explorer in Task Manager and choose Restart.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.