Multiple Windows Explorer in Task Manager: How to Fix

Give a try to these simple solutions right away

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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A few users told us about a curious issue in which they see multiple Windows (File) Explorer processes in Task Manager. Those have wondered why Task Manager shows multiple Explorer processes.

That issue can occur in Windows 11 and older platforms of Microsoft’s desktop OS series. You can fix multiple Explorer processes in Task Manager with the potential resolutions below. Even more, here’s what to do ifWindows Explorer is slow.

What causes Task Manager to show multiple instances of Windows Explorer?

There are two potential reasons for Task Manager showing multiple Explorer processes. Those causes are:

One way to tell is to check the source folder of the Explorer.exe process. To do so, right-click aWindows Explorerprocess inTask Managerand selectOpen file location.

All legitimate Explorer processes will have aC: Windowssource folder. If the Explorer process has a different location, you’re probably dealing with malware, possibly in the form of a Trojan.

We recommend users go through the following troubleshooting steps when Task Manager shows multiple Explorer.exe processes. Apply the resolutions in the order specified.

How can I fix multiple explorer.exe processes in Task Manager?

1. Disable the Launch folder windows in a separate process checkbox

2. Run an antivirus (malware) scan

Windows Report also recommends users scan for and quarantine malware with thefree Malwarebytesversion.Malwarebytesis among the most efficient third-party tools for purging malware.

3. Run the SFC scan command

Those troubleshooting steps will kill off multiple Explorer processes in Task Manager. Hopefully, you won’t need to do anything more than disable Launch folder windows in a separate process.

If you still see multiple processes with that option disabled, proceed with an antivirus scan. Do so with Windows Security, Malwarebytes, or anyother third-party antivirus toolinstalled on your PC.

Multiple Windows Explorer in Task Manager: How to Fix#

What causes Task Manager to show multiple instances of Windows Explorer?#

How can I fix multiple explorer.exe processes in Task Manager?#

1. Disable the Launch folder windows in a separate process checkbox#

2. Run an antivirus (malware) scan#

3. Run the SFC scan command#