The explorer.exe is basically a system error. It presents itself with a window that pops up showing an “Unspecified error” message while opening the file explorer. It occurs because of some instabilities and crashes in various parts of the operating system such as windows update problems, tainted files et cetera.

Now, keep reading to know further about this error and how to solve it.

Why does this ‘Explorer Exe Unspecified Error Windows 10’ Issue Happen?

Windows always bring updates to the software. Unfortunately, those never come with full functionality. The bitter truth is a code can never be bug-free as some bugs remain untraceable unless it is executed. Sometimes bugs spread in the operating system that create unwanted errors like corruption of crucial system files stopping file-to-file browsing and pushing important components to disturbance. Being an in-built Windows function, explorer also can get affected by bugs. This could end up with an error. Sometimes inappropriate modification in file explorer can cause this error too. 

How to Solve Unspecified Error – Step-by-Step Guidelines

No matter what the actual reason is in your case, there are some effective solutions to solve this particular error in file explorer. Apply them one by one until you successfully fix this.

Solution 1: Solving from The Task Manager

Our first solution is based on running the explorer as a new task. To do that, you should go to the task manager. So –

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Process tab, Locate Windows Explorer. under Apps. Select and restart it by clicking the Restart button at the bottom right.

Step 3: Now, Click on the task manager File menu and select Run new task.

Step 4: Type “explorer.exe” in the bar. Mark the Create this task with administrative privileges box.  

Solution 2: Solving from The Registry Editor (LOCAL_MACHINE)

In this case, you need to overwrite the value data by typing explorer.exe from the registry editor. Therefore –

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run window. Then Type regedit in the bar and go for it. The Registry Editor window will appear.

Step 2: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > Winlogon

Step 3: Find Shell in the list of entries. Right-clickit and modify the Value data by overwriting explorer.exe.

Step 4: Now, modify the Value data by overwriting explorer.exe.

Solution 3: Solving from The Registry Editor (CURRENT_USER)

Step 1: Open Registry Editor.

Step 2: Go for the following path –

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

Step 3: Now, delete BagMRU and Bags.

Step 4: Restart the computer.

NOTE: Registry Editor is one of the critical system functionalities. Causing any mistake while performing the tasks can lead to severe problems in the operating system. So, create a backup of the Windows and try to perform tasks in the editor very carefully.

Solution 4: Perform the SFC Scan

When your hard drive condition is fine, yet you are facing this problem, the problem can be related to corrupted system files. That is why you must perform an SFC scan.  In this case –

Step 1: In the Windows search bar, search for cmd, and run the Command Prompt as administrator. 

Step 2: Now, execute the command given below –

sfc/scannow

Step 3: Let the process finish. It will take some time. When the scan is completed, restart the computer.

Applying any one of these solutions should fix the error, especially the first two solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I fix File Explorer problems in Windows 10?

How do I fix File Explorer problems in Windows 10?

The relevant fixes to solve all types of file explorer problems are – Restart the Windows Explorer from Task Manager or Command Prompt, run System File Checker scan, clear file explorer history, change Display Settings, extend the system partition, and create a new User Account.

How do I fix explorer.exe Error in Windows 11?

The maximum probability is there might be malware corruption in the operating system. I would suggest performing a windows update. Update Windows Defender or existing protective tool (should be better in performance). Then run a full system scan.

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned about the error and its circumstances. I hope the solutions will help you to recover the problem. However, this error may not occur if you right click on the folder icon in the taskbar and choose a folder or file. You can also solve this error by changing the default view of the file explorer through Quick Access.