Troubleshooting Windows 10 Explorer Not Starting Issue

Windows 10 Explorer is the file management application that allows you to navigate through your computer and access files and folders. However, sometimes you may encounter an issue where Windows 10 Explorer fails to start. This can be frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. In this article, we will guide you through the process of troubleshooting the Windows 10 Explorer not starting issue.

Restart Your Computer

The first step in troubleshooting any software issue is to restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the problem by clearing any temporary glitches or conflicts that may be preventing Windows 10 Explorer from starting.

Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows 10 operating system can sometimes cause issues with various applications, including Windows 10 Explorer. To ensure your system is up to date:

1. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings".
2. In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security".
3. Click on "Windows Update" in the left sidebar.
4. Click on "Check for updates" and wait for Windows to search for available updates.
5. If updates are found, click on "Install now" to install them.
6. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can also cause Windows 10 Explorer not to start. To fix this issue, you can run a System File Checker (SFC) scan:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
4. If any issues are found, the System File Checker will attempt to repair them automatically.
5. Restart your computer after the scan and repair process is complete.

Disable Startup Programs

Conflicting startup programs can sometimes interfere with the normal functioning of Windows 10 Explorer. To disable startup programs:

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the "Startup" tab.
3. Select the startup programs that you want to disable and click on "Disable".
4. Restart your computer and check if Windows 10 Explorer starts correctly.

Create a New User Account

If the above steps did not resolve the issue, you can try creating a new user account:

1. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings".
2. In the Settings window, click on "Accounts".
3. Select "Family & other users" in the left sidebar.
4. Click on "Add someone else to this PC" under Other users.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
6. Log in to the new user account and check if Windows 10 Explorer starts correctly.

Perform a System Restore

If none of the above methods worked, you can try performing a system restore to revert your computer back to a previous working state:

1. Click on the Start menu and type "System Restore".
2. Select "Create a restore point" from the search results.
3. In the System Properties window, click on "System Restore".
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your computer.
5. After the restore process is complete, check if Windows 10 Explorer starts correctly.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the Windows 10 Explorer not starting issue. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a technical support professional.

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