File explorer re install

Question

I can t access file exporer. How do I reinstall program?

Answer 1

File Explorer cannot be reinstalled separately.

1

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

Select the Processes tab.

Scroll down to find Explorer in the processes list, right click it and select Restart.

Your screen will refresh after a couple of seconds, then try opening File Explorer.

2

If that does not resolve the problem, press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard, does File Explorer open correctly?

3

If not, open the Settings App.

Go to System - Recovery.

Click the Reinstall Now' button in the 'Fix problems with Windows Updates' section, then wait for that process to complete.

This process will not affect your files, settings or installed apps.

Answer 2

File Explorer is a built‑in part of Windows and cannot be reinstalled separately, but it can be repaired using built‑in tools.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check for Windows updates and restart
   • Windows 11: Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any updates and restart.
   • Windows 10: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any updates and restart.
2. Restart the PC
   • Even if no updates are shown, restart to complete any pending changes that may affect File Explorer.
3. Optimize system and virtual memory settings (Windows 10)
   • On the taskbar, type control panel and open Control Panel.
   • Go to System and Security > System > Advanced system settings.
   • On the Advanced tab, under Performance, select Settings > Advanced.
   • Ensure Adjust for best performance of is set to Programs.
   • Under Virtual memory, select Change and make sure Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is selected.
   • Select OK, then Apply, and restart the PC.
4. Run Disk Cleanup (Windows 10)
   • On the taskbar, type disk cleanup and open Disk Cleanup.
   • Select the system drive and choose OK.
   • Select the file types to delete (ensure nothing important is in the Recycle Bin), then select OK.
5. Run the System Maintenance troubleshooter (Windows 10)
   • Open Control Panel.
   • Set View by to Large icons or Small icons.
   • Select Troubleshooting > View all > System Maintenance.
   • Select Next > Try troubleshooting as an administrator and review the results.
6. Run System File Checker (SFC)
   • Click Start, type cmd.
   • Right‑click cmd.exe and select Run as administrator.
   • At the command prompt, type:

          sfc /scannow
     

     and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete; Windows will repair missing or corrupted system files that can affect File Explorer.
7. Use Automatic/Startup Repair (Windows 10)
   • Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
   • On Choose an option, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
   • Choose an account, enter the password, and let Automatic Repair run. The PC may restart during this process.
8. Reset the PC (last resort)
   • If File Explorer still will not open after the above, reset Windows:
   • Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Recovery, then follow Reset this PC.
   • Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then follow Reset this PC.
   • Use the option to keep personal files if available, understanding that apps and some settings may be removed.

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References:

• Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start
• Error: Windows Explorer has stopped working