explorer.exe
explorer.exe
Process name: Microsoft Windows Explorer
Application using this process: Microsoft Windows Operating System
File location: C:\Windows
Recommended: Check your system for explorer.exe problems
What is explorer.exe doing on my computer?
The explorer.exe file is an executable file for Windows Explorer. In the Microsoft Windows operating system, the explorer.exe file runs and has a graphical user interface that you can see when you are opening hard drives or files. Sometimes, the graphical user interface of the explorer.exe file is referred to as Windows GUI shell or Explorer.
The explorer.exe file was created to replace the Windows 3.x File Manager, which is the older version of the application embedded on previous versions of the MS Windows environment. The explorer.exe file is executed when the user double-clicks on the My Computer desktop icon and the one found in the Start menu. The explorer.exe file was initially used only to navigate or browse files, but as newer versions of Windows were released, it evolved to being a file management system that is task-based.
explorer.exe is a system process that is needed for your PC to work properly. It should not be removed.
The explorer.exe is an executable file on your computer's hard drive. This file contains machine code. If you start the software Microsoft Windows Operating System on your PC, the commands contained in explorer.exe will be executed on your PC. For this purpose, the file is loaded into the main memory (RAM) and runs there as a Microsoft Windows Explorer process (also called a task).
Is explorer.exe harmful?
This process is considered safe. It is unlikely to pose any harm to your system. The explorer.exe file should be located in the folder C:\Windows. Otherwise it could be a Trojan.
Can I stop or remove explorer.exe?
Since explorer.exe is a system process it should not be stopped. The process is required for your PC to work properly. Also the corresponding software Microsoft Windows Operating System should not be uninstalled.
Is explorer.exe CPU intensive?
This process is considered to be CPU intensive. Without proper management, CPU intensive processes can manipulate system resources causing speed loss. Check the Microsoft Windows Operating System settings to see if you can turn off unneeded modules or services.
Why is explorer.exe giving me errors?
System process issues are mainly a result of conflicting applications running on your PC. Consider uninstalling any applications you are not using. Then reboot your computer.
Why do I have multiple instances of explorer.exe?
The system sometimes dedicates more resources to a specific task by generating multiple instances of one process. However this can also be a symptom of a virus or trojan infection. Make sure you always use an updated antivirus and run a full scan.explorer.exe is known to have 3 other instances:
trojan.w32.ZAPCHAST

explorer.exe is a process which is registered as a trojan. "This... read more »
trojan.w32.mydoom & trojan.w32.ZAPCHAST

explorer.exe is a process which is registered as a trojan. "This... read more »
trojan.w32.Codered

explorer.exe is a process which is registered as a trojan. "This... read more »
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