explorer.exe "Windows cannot find (null)" error

Question

Every time my PC is turned on my PIN is reset forcing me to use my password instead and upon logging in I get an error message from explorer.exe stating that "Windows cannot find (null)". I've tried running sfc /scannow, DISM, checked regedit, did a clean boot, and nothing has fixed the issue.

Answer 1

Please check if you can return to the login screen

While holding the Left Shift key, click the Power icon at the bottom right > Restart

This will bring you to Windows Recovery Environment

Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates

Uninstall latest quality update

If this doesn't work, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore

Choose the restore point at an earlier date where everything is still working.

Click Next then Finish

Answer 2

Can you try to test in Safe Mode?

Restart into Safe Mode and check whether the Explorer error and Task Manager freezing still occur. This can help determine whether a third-party service or startup component is involved.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/startup-boot/windows-startup-settings

Answer 3

Hi, good day!

To help narrow down the cause

1. When did this start, and did it follow a Windows Update, software installation, or other change?
2. Does the PIN reset happen after every restart and shutdown, or only occasionally?
3. Does the Windows cannot find (null) error disappear when you close it, or does it affect File Explorer or the desktop?

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Open Task Manager > Startup apps and look for any entries that point to missing files or unusual paths. The (null) message may help identify a startup reference that is no longer valid.

I look forward to your update and am willing to collaborate with you until we resolve the issue. Keep me posted by clicking "Add comment" below.