Task Manager

How To Add Windows Explorer To Task Manager

When it comes to managing your Windows system efficiently, adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager can be a game-changer. Did you know that by doing this, you can easily access and control various aspects of your file system directly from within the Task Manager itself? This simple yet powerful integration can save you time and streamline your workflow, allowing you to multitask seamlessly without switching between different windows.

Adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your productivity. By having Windows Explorer integrated into the Task Manager, you can quickly navigate through your files and folders, monitor the resource usage of specific processes, and even terminate unresponsive applications with ease. This integration not only provides convenience and accessibility but also empowers you to efficiently manage and troubleshoot any issues that may arise in your system.



How To Add Windows Explorer To Task Manager

Exploring Windows Explorer in Task Manager

Windows Explorer is an essential feature of the Windows operating system, allowing users to navigate and manage files and folders. While it is accessible through the desktop or the Start menu, having the ability to add Windows Explorer to the Task Manager can provide quick access and make file management even more convenient. In this article, we will explore different methods to add Windows Explorer to Task Manager, enabling you to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.

Method 1: Adding Windows Explorer Through Task Manager

The first method involves adding Windows Explorer directly through the Task Manager. Follow these steps to achieve this:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • In the Task Manager window, click on File in the top left corner.
  • From the drop-down menu, select Run new task.
  • The Create New Task dialog box will appear. Type explorer.exe in the field and click OK.
  • Windows Explorer will now be added to the list of running processes in the Task Manager.

Step-by-Step Guide: Method 1

Here is a step-by-step guide to adding Windows Explorer through Task Manager:

Step Description
Step 1 Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Step 2 In the Task Manager window, click on File in the top left corner.
Step 3 From the drop-down menu, select Run new task.
Step 4 The Create New Task dialog box will appear. Type explorer.exe in the field and click OK.
Step 5 Windows Explorer will now be added to the list of running processes in the Task Manager.

Method 2: Creating a Shortcut to Windows Explorer

If you prefer creating a shortcut for easy access to Windows Explorer within the Task Manager, follow these steps:

  • Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
  • In the context menu, hover over New and click on Shortcut.
  • In the Create Shortcut dialog box, type explorer.exe in the field and click Next.
  • Enter a name for the shortcut, such as Windows Explorer, and click Finish.
  • Now, right-click on the newly created shortcut icon and select Properties.
  • In the Properties window, go to the Shortcut tab.
  • In the Target field, add /e, (without quotes) after explorer.exe. It should look like explorer.exe /e,
  • Click OK to save the changes.
  • The shortcut to Windows Explorer is now ready to be added to the Task Manager.

Step-by-Step Guide: Method 2

Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a shortcut to Windows Explorer:

Step Description
Step 1 Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
Step 2 In the context menu, hover over New and click on Shortcut.
Step 3 In the Create Shortcut dialog box, type explorer.exe in the field and click Next.
Step 4 Enter a name for the shortcut, such as Windows Explorer, and click Finish.
Step 5 Now, right-click on the newly created shortcut icon and select Properties.
Step 6 In the Properties window, go to the Shortcut tab.
Step 7 In the Target field, add /e, (without quotes) after explorer.exe.
Step 8 Click OK to save the changes.
Step 9 The shortcut to Windows Explorer is now ready to be added to the Task Manager.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

Another method to add Windows Explorer to the Task Manager is by using the Registry Editor. Caution: Modifying the registry can have serious consequences if done incorrectly. Before proceeding, ensure that you have a backup of your registry or create a system restore point.

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
  • Right-click on the Image File Execution Options key and select New, then Key.
  • Name the new key as explorer.exe.
  • Now, right-click on the newly created explorer.exe key and select New, then String Value.
  • Name the new string value as Debugger.
  • Double-click on the Debugger string value and set its value data to explorer.exe.
  • Click OK to save the changes.
  • Close the Registry Editor.
  • Windows Explorer is now added to the Task Manager.

Step-by-Step Guide: Method 3

Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Registry Editor to add Windows Explorer to the Task Manager:

Step Description
Step 1 Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2 Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3 In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
Step 4 Right-click on the Image File Execution Options key and select New, then Key.
Step 5 Name the new key as explorer.exe.
Step 6 Right-click on the newly created explorer.exe key and select New, then String Value.
Step 7 Name the new string value as Debugger.
Step 8 Double-click on the Debugger string value and set its value data to explorer.exe.
Step 9 Click OK to save the changes.
Step 10 Close the Registry Editor.
Step 11 Windows Explorer is now added to the Task Manager.

Exploring a Different Dimension of Windows Explorer in Task Manager

In addition to the earlier methods discussed, there is yet another way to enhance the functionality of Windows Explorer in the Task Manager by using third-party software. These tools provide additional features and customization options, making file management even more efficient. Let's delve into this alternative approach:

Method 4: Using Third-Party Software

There are several third-party software applications available that offer enhanced file management functionality and the ability to add Windows Explorer to the Task Manager. One such popular software is Explorer++. Here's how you can use it:

  • Download and install Explorer++ from the official website.
  • Launch Explorer++ and click on File in the top left corner.
  • From the drop-down menu, select Add New Task.
  • A new window will open. Here, navigate to the location of the explorer.exe file (usually C:\Windows\) and select it.
  • Click OK to save the changes.
  • Explorer++ will now show up as a separate entry in the Task Manager, alongside Windows Explorer.

Step-by-Step Guide: Method 4

Here is a step-by-step guide to using third-party software (Explorer++) to add Windows Explorer to the Task Manager:

Step Description
Step 1 Download and install Explorer++ from the official website.
Step 2 Launch Explorer++ and click on File in the top left corner.
Step 3 From the drop-down menu, select Add New Task.
Step 4 A new window will open. Here, navigate to the location of the explorer.exe file (usually C:\Windows\) and select it.
Step 5 Click OK to save the changes.
Step 6 Explorer++ will now show up as a separate entry in the Task Manager, alongside Windows Explorer.

Enhancing File Management Efficiency

Adding Windows Explorer to the Task Manager provides a convenient way to access and manage files while multitasking on your computer. Whether you choose to add it directly through the Task Manager, create a shortcut, modify the Registry Editor, or utilize third-party software, the ability to access Windows Explorer quickly can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow. Choose the method that best suits your preferences and explore the different dimensions of Windows Explorer within the Task Manager.


How To Add Windows Explorer To Task Manager

Adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager

If you want to add Windows Explorer to Task Manager, follow these steps:

  • Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • Click on the "File" menu at the top-left corner of the Task Manager window.
  • Select "Run new task" from the drop-down menu.
  • In the "Create new task" window, type "explorer.exe" and click "OK".
  • Windows Explorer will now open, and can be found in the "Processes" tab of Task Manager.

Adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager allows you to manage and monitor its performance. You can end the process if it becomes unresponsive, view its resource usage, and access various options for managing files and folders. This can be particularly useful if you need to troubleshoot or manage multiple instances of Windows Explorer.


Key Takeaways - How to Add Windows Explorer to Task Manager

  • You can add Windows Explorer to Task Manager to easily manage processes and navigate files.
  • To add Windows Explorer to Task Manager, open Task Manager and go to the "File" menu.
  • In the "File" menu, click on "Run new task" to open a new command prompt window.
  • Type "explorer" in the command prompt window and click "OK" to add Windows Explorer to Task Manager.
  • Once added, you can access Windows Explorer in the "Details" tab of Task Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager:

1. How can I add Windows Explorer to Task Manager?

To add Windows Explorer to Task Manager, you can follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click on the File menu and select Run new task.

3. Type "explorer.exe" in the Open field and click OK.

4. Windows Explorer will now be added to the Task Manager.

2. Is it possible to add Windows Explorer to Task Manager on Windows 10?

Yes, you can add Windows Explorer to Task Manager in Windows 10 by following these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click on the File menu and select Run new task.

3. Type "explorer.exe" in the Open field and click OK.

4. Windows Explorer will now be added to the Task Manager in Windows 10.

3. Can I add Windows Explorer as a startup program in Task Manager?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly add Windows Explorer as a startup program in Task Manager. However, you can configure your computer to automatically start Windows Explorer when you log in:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "shell:startup" in the Open field and click OK.

3. Place a shortcut to Windows Explorer in the opened startup folder.

4. Windows Explorer will now launch automatically when you log in.

4. Why would I want to add Windows Explorer to Task Manager?

Adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager can be useful in situations where Windows Explorer becomes unresponsive or stops functioning properly. By adding it as a task in the Task Manager, you can easily restart Windows Explorer without having to restart your computer.

Additionally, if you need to access a specific folder or navigate to a certain location on your computer, having Windows Explorer readily available in the Task Manager can provide a quick and convenient way to do so.

5. Can I remove Windows Explorer from Task Manager?

No, you cannot remove Windows Explorer from Task Manager. Windows Explorer is a core component of the Windows operating system and is necessary for various system functions and file management. It cannot be removed from Task Manager.



In summary, adding Windows Explorer to Task Manager can be a useful feature to enhance your productivity and manage your processes more efficiently. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily access Windows Explorer directly from the Task Manager, allowing you to swiftly navigate through your files and folders without any hassle.

Remember to open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, and then click on "File" in the top left corner followed by "Run new task". Type "explorer" in the dialog box and hit Enter. Windows Explorer will now be added to Task Manager, providing you with quick access to your files whenever you need them.


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