How to restart explorer.exe when taskbar freezes? (Fast solution to save time.)

When the Windows taskbar freezes or becomes unresponsive, restarting * is the fastest solution. Follow these steps:

Method 1: Using Task Manager (Most Common)

1. Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open Task Manager directly.
2. If the Task Manager window appears:
   • Click the "Processes" tab (Windows 10) or "Details" tab (Windows 11).
   • Locate "Windows Explorer" (Processes tab) or (Details tab).
   • Right-click it and select "Restart" (Windows 10/11) or "End task" (if Restart isn't visible).
3. If you used "End task":
   • Click "File" > "Run new task".
   • Type in the "Open" field.
   • Click "OK".

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (If UI Fails)

1. Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open Task Manager.
2. Click "File" > "Run new task".
3. Type and check "Create this task with administrative privileges". Click "OK".
4. In the Command Prompt window, type the command:
   taskkill /f /im * & start *
5. Press Enter. The taskbar should restart.

Key Notes

• Open applications remain unaffected; restarting * only resets the shell (taskbar, desktop icons, File Explorer windows).
• Using "Restart" in Task Manager is generally faster and safer than manually ending the task.
• All open File Explorer windows will close when * is stopped. Save work beforehand if possible.