How to Repair Windows Explorer Not Starting During Login into Windows
Blank desktop with mouse cursor is a sign that Windows Explorer, namely Explorer.exe, did not start properly. Good news is that it’s often easy to fix follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Step 1
4. Restart your computer to see issue has been resolved if not follow the below instructions.
Step 2
The "Sfc /scannow" command will repair any damaged Windows system files.
After all commands finish executing restart your computer normally and check to see Windows Explorer has started.
Step 3
Outdated or corrupt video drivers can cause Windows Explorer to stop working. Downloading and installing the latest video driver can solve many of these issues. You can do this from using Windows Update or by visiting your system manufacturer’s website or by contacting them directly.
For more information on updating your drivers, see the following content on the wikiHow website.
Step 4
Virus and Malware infections can cause problems with Windows Explorer not starting. Use your favorite antivirus software to scan for any infections that might be hiding on your PC. If you don’t have an antivirus you can download and install MalwareBytes for free.
The GeekPolice forums has a forum just for asking assistant for disinfecting your computer from malware infections the following the link below you can learn instructions for posting your problem.
Malware Infection Removal Support
Step 5
If you do not experience the same crashes in Safe Mode, it’s very likely a startup item is causing the issue. Follow the steps found on the following article to perform a clean boot and pinpoint the item causing the issue.
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot
Step 6
If the solutions above do not resolve the issue you can perform a System Restore to restore the PC back to a time before the issue started. If the issue has been occurring for a month or more, it may be better to follow the steps in the next section and perform an repair install (In-Place Upgrade) to repair the issue. To perform a System Restore, follow the steps listed below:
1. Boot your computer into Safe Mode
2. Press
keys, type rstrui.exe, into Run dialog box and then press OK button.
3. Follow the instructions at System Restore tool to restore the Windows O/S back to a time before the issue started.
Step 7
If the issue has been occurring for a month or more, it may be better to perform an In-Place Upgrade and restore Windows to the original installation. Performing an In-Place Upgrade will not damage files and applications that are currently installed on your computer. To perform an In-Place Upgrade, follow the steps in the articles listed below:
How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista
How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7
How to Repair Install Windows 8 and 8.1 without Losing Anything
How to Do a Repair Install of Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade
Step 8
The Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Refresh tool enables you to get Windows 8 to repair reinstall itself onto your computer. And while installing a fresh copy of itself, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 saves your user account, your personal files, your apps downloaded from the Windows Store, and some of your most important settings. Follow the instructions at below articles links:
How to Refresh Your Computer Running Windows 8
How To Refresh A Windows 8.1 Installation Without Losing Your Data
Step 1
- Boot your computer into Safe Mode and open the Command Prompt as a administrator by typing cmd.exe into Start Menu search box.
- From within the Command Prompt window that opened type below commands one at time and press Enter key for each command you have typed.
Code:
Reg Add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v Userinit /t REG_SZ /d C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe, /f
Reg Add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v Shell /t REG_SZ /d explorer.exe /f
Reg Add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon" /v AutoRestartShell /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Start %SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe4. Restart your computer to see issue has been resolved if not follow the below instructions.
Step 2
- Boot your computer into Safe Mode and open the Command Prompt as a administrator by typing cmd.exe into Start Menu search box.
- From within the Command Prompt window that opened type below commands one at time and press Enter key for each command you have typed.
Code:
Reg Add HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal\MSIService /t REG_SZ /ve /d Service /f
Reg Add HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network\MSIService /t REG_SZ /ve /d Service /f
Net Start msiserver
Sfc /ScannowThe "Sfc /scannow" command will repair any damaged Windows system files.
After all commands finish executing restart your computer normally and check to see Windows Explorer has started.
Step 3
Outdated or corrupt video drivers can cause Windows Explorer to stop working. Downloading and installing the latest video driver can solve many of these issues. You can do this from using Windows Update or by visiting your system manufacturer’s website or by contacting them directly.
For more information on updating your drivers, see the following content on the wikiHow website.
Step 4
Virus and Malware infections can cause problems with Windows Explorer not starting. Use your favorite antivirus software to scan for any infections that might be hiding on your PC. If you don’t have an antivirus you can download and install MalwareBytes for free.
The GeekPolice forums has a forum just for asking assistant for disinfecting your computer from malware infections the following the link below you can learn instructions for posting your problem.
Malware Infection Removal Support
Step 5
If you do not experience the same crashes in Safe Mode, it’s very likely a startup item is causing the issue. Follow the steps found on the following article to perform a clean boot and pinpoint the item causing the issue.
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot
Step 6
If the solutions above do not resolve the issue you can perform a System Restore to restore the PC back to a time before the issue started. If the issue has been occurring for a month or more, it may be better to follow the steps in the next section and perform an repair install (In-Place Upgrade) to repair the issue. To perform a System Restore, follow the steps listed below:
1. Boot your computer into Safe Mode
2. Press
keys, type rstrui.exe, into Run dialog box and then press OK button.3. Follow the instructions at System Restore tool to restore the Windows O/S back to a time before the issue started.
Step 7
If the issue has been occurring for a month or more, it may be better to perform an In-Place Upgrade and restore Windows to the original installation. Performing an In-Place Upgrade will not damage files and applications that are currently installed on your computer. To perform an In-Place Upgrade, follow the steps in the articles listed below:
How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista
How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7
How to Repair Install Windows 8 and 8.1 without Losing Anything
How to Do a Repair Install of Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade
Step 8
The Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Refresh tool enables you to get Windows 8 to repair reinstall itself onto your computer. And while installing a fresh copy of itself, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 saves your user account, your personal files, your apps downloaded from the Windows Store, and some of your most important settings. Follow the instructions at below articles links:
How to Refresh Your Computer Running Windows 8
How To Refresh A Windows 8.1 Installation Without Losing Your Data