On Windows 11, search for “Explorer” at the top of the window. On Windows 10, you will have to hunt down “explorer.exe” in the list. Right-click the explorer.exe process and select “Restart.” Windows will restart the Explorer process that handles the desktop, taskbar, and File Explorer windows —this can fix a bunch of issues, and save you from a full reboot.
The Task Manager will help you find and fix lots of other issues, too. For example, if an application is using a lot of CPU or memory, find it in the process list and axe it.
The “Restart” option only appears for the Explorer.exe process.
Chris Hoffman / Foundry
Break the patterns and speed up your Windows workflow
These tips only scratch the surface of what you can do, and if even one of them inspired you to find a new, quicker way to use your PC, I promise the efficiency upgrade will be worth it.
