Such problems can include, for example, a complete freezing of an open folder, and with it the Start menu and the taskbar with open applications. Windows 10 also often has a “cosmetics” bug when one of the pinned programs remains highlighted and highlighted even if you removed the cursor from it. Restarting Explorer (File Explorer) may help fix this.

How to restart explorer in Windows 10/11

Of course, you can do this by restarting the computer, but this method is not always convenient, especially when several programs are running in parallel and work is in full swing.

• To get started, open the Task Manager. You can do this with a combination. Ctrl+Alt+Del or Ctrl+Shift+Esc. If the taskbar remains active (the strip with the programs at the bottom of the screen), another method works: right-click on the clock or language indicator and select the third item from the bottom “Task Manager”.
• In the window that opens, find a program called “Processes” tab. “Windows Explorer” or Explorer (depends on OS version and system language).
• Right click on it and select “Restart”.
• In a few seconds when some elements of the interface are lost, the program will be reinstalled and you will be able to work again.

By the way, you can see “Finish task” next to “Restart” option. This can also be used to restart the explorer. In this case, after using it, you will have to manually restart the explorer. To do this, press Win+R, enter the word “Explorer” (without quotes), click “OK” and wait until the program starts.