Windows Explorer: No feedback - you can do that

If you do not receive any feedback in Windows Explorer, this can have several reasons. In this practical tip, we will show you how to get the file manager up and running again.

No feedback: restart Windows Explorer - that's how it works from Windows 8

Windows Explorer is the pre-installed file manager in Windows. However, it also includes other components of the desktop environment, such as the taskbar and the start menu. If he stops responding, you will not be able to open your files or access the taskbar. Quit the crashed Windows Explorer and then restart it to continue your tasks:

1. First start the Task Manager. To do this, press the key combination [CTRL] + [Shift] and [ESC].
2. If a small window with a few details opens, select "More details" below.
3. In the new window, search for "Windows Explorer". If you don't see this at the top, you have to scroll down to find it.
4. Click on the line to select the Windows Explorer process.
5. Then click on "Restart".

Restart the file manager in older versions of Windows

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Restart Windows Explorer in Windows 7 - part 1

Restart Explorer Win 7 - Part 2

If you have Windows 7 or an older version installed on your computer, you have to do a few more steps to restart Explorer.

1. First start the Task Manager. Use the key combination [CTRL] + [Shift] and [ESC] in Win 7 again. In older versions use the combination [CTRL] + [ALT] and [Del].
2. Select the "Processes" tab above and select the "explorer.exe" process.
3. Then click on "End Process" and confirm the step in the next window.
4. After Windows Explorer has closed, select "File" in the top left and then "New Task (Run ...)". A small window with an input line opens.
5. Enter "explorer.exe" in the line (without quotation marks) and confirm with "OK".

Windows Explorer: Troubleshoot

If you frequently have a problem with Windows Explorer, this may be due to this:

• Update Windows : Your computer may be running an outdated version of Windows that has errors. You should check your settings to see if there is a newer version and update it.
• Update drivers : Outdated video drivers can be a problem and can cause programs such as Windows Explorer to crash. Update your drivers to fix various problems.
• Remove viruses : Your computer may be infected with a virus that is causing the problems. Scan your system with programs like the pre-installed Windows Defender.
• Delete programs : Has the problem only occurred recently? If so, you should consider installing any new program that could cause Windows Explorer to crash. Delete the program to test whether the error is resolved.

File manager: just restart with this trick

If Windows Explorer keeps crashing despite fixing the errors, you can create a quickly accessible file on your desktop that will do the above steps for restarting the Explorer for you with just one click.

1. Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select "New" and then "Text Document". Name the file as desired, eg "Explorer Neustarten.txt".
2. Open the text file and insert the following text: taskkill / im explorer.exe / f
   start explorer.exe
   exit
3. Save the file and close it.
4. Right-click the file and choose Properties.
5. Change the file extension ".txt" to ".bat" in the properties and save the changes.
6. Your file is ready. If you have a problem with Windows Explorer in the future, you can simply restart it by double-clicking on the newly created file and bypass the above steps.

How to deactivate quick access in Windows Explorer in Windows 10 can be read in another practical tip.

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