How to Uninstall File Explorer
Are you looking to uninstall File Explorer from your Windows system? Whether it’s due to a compatibility issue, a preference for a different file manager, or simply a desire to streamline your system, removing File Explorer can be a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to uninstall File Explorer from your Windows PC.
Understanding File Explorer
Before diving into the uninstallation process, it’s important to understand what File Explorer is. File Explorer is a built-in file manager in Windows that allows users to navigate, manage, and organize files and folders on their computer. It’s an essential component of the Windows operating system, but it’s not impossible to remove if you choose to do so.
Steps to Uninstall File Explorer
1. Backup Your Files: Before making any changes to your system, it’s always a good idea to backup your important files. This ensures that you don’t lose any data during the uninstallation process.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: To uninstall File Explorer, you’ll need to run Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Enter the Uninstall Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
ren %windir%\system32\explorer.exe explorer.exe.bak
“`
This command renames the File Explorer executable to explorer.exe.bak, effectively disabling it.
4. Restart Your Computer: After running the command, restart your computer. This ensures that the changes take effect and File Explorer is no longer running.
5. Use a Third-Party File Manager: If you want to replace File Explorer with a different file manager, you can download and install one from the internet. Some popular options include File Explorer Lite, XYplorer, and Q-Dir.
6. Reinstall File Explorer (If Needed): If you ever decide to reinstall File Explorer, simply rename the explorer.exe.bak file back to explorer.exe and restart your computer.
Conclusion
Uninstalling File Explorer from your Windows PC is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the instructions outlined in this article, you can remove File Explorer and potentially improve your system’s performance or compatibility. However, remember that File Explorer is an essential component of Windows, so proceed with caution and only if you’re certain that you need to uninstall it.
