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 if Windows 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:

A Launch folder windows in a separate process option – This causes an extra Explorer process to be launched when enabled. If you see a couple of Explorer.exe processes, that option is probably why.

Malware masquerading as File Explorer – If one of the multiple Explorer.exe processes has very high RAM or CPU usage, there could be malware on your PC. Explorer.exe malware uses the Windows Explorer process to disguise itself on infected PCs.

One way to tell is to check the source folder of the Explorer.exe process. To do so, right-click a Windows Explorer process in Task Manager and select Open file location. All legitimate Explorer processes will have a C: Windows source 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 the free Malwarebytes version. Malwarebytes is 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 any other third-party antivirus tool installed on your PC.

SPONSORED Name * Email * Commenting as . Not you? Save information for future comments
Comment

Δ