Locked File Explorer (Windows Explorer) Opens after PC Startup (Windows 10 Pro)

[Zanderzen]

It started a few days ago after updating my Avast antivirus and Malwarebytes software. I thought they were the cause but they weren't. Full scans found no issues.

Looked online to find solutions from others and tried them all. Checked the startup folder, registry, services, auto play, resetting to defaults. Nothing seems to work. I'm at the point where I'm going to reset the OS. If that doesn't work, a full re-install.

If anyone has a suggestion or fix that I may have missed, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

 

[fantom]

Are You make shut down with file explorer shouted down? Try it...

My good friend Google said:
How do I stop File Explorer from opening on startup?


Follow the below steps:

1. Open the Task Manager.
2. Go to startup tab.
3. See if Files Explorer is listed there. If yes, right click and disable it.

 

[ZombieMambo.77]

I hate when something new pops up to interrupt my daily Windows flow. I feel your pain. A solution might be to install another file manager as an Explorer replacement and then disabling autostart for that program. There are a few out there. I'm personally a fan of Clover, Directory Opus, and Q-Dir. Clover and Q-Dire are free and simple and basic compared to DOPUS. DOPUS is super-powered. You can find it here, though it's not the latest version. If you read through the comments someone mentions installing the official download of DOPUS (from the website) and installing it over this one. I've done it and haven't had an issue. If you go with DOPUS, I'd suggest disabling the internet when installing, and blocking every .exe in the installation folder with your firewall before enabling it again. I use all three frequently but have Clover as the replacement (you can choose either of them). Who knows, you may kill two birds with one stone. Finding a fix to your problem and, if you're not a fan of the standard Explorer, something that suits your needs. I've been using Clover for eons and haven't regretted it. Your AV might give you a warning because it sees it replacing Explorer as a hack. I've set mine to ignore and it's been all good.

 

[Chuck]

Disable "Restore previous folder window at logon."

You must be registered for see links

 

[Mr Grimbahir]

Mainly there are some serious problems with Windows Explorer. This may result from corrupted / damaged systems. You can perform a system file scan:
1- Run "CMD" as an Admin.
2-- Type "sfc /scannow" and let the scan fixes your system files.

See if this step works. Tell me the result.

 

[Zanderzen]

Are You make shut down with file explorer shouted down? Try it...

My good friend Google said:
How do I stop File Explorer from opening on startup?


Follow the below steps:

1. Open the Task Manager.
2. Go to startup tab.
3. See if Files Explorer is listed there. If yes, right click and disable it.

Tried that. Didn't work. Thanks.

Disable "Restore previous folder window at logon."

You must be registered for see links

Tried that. Didn't work. Thanks.

Mainly there are some serious problems with Windows Explorer. This may result from corrupted / damaged systems. You can perform a system file scan:
1- Run "CMD" as an Admin.
2-- Type "sfc /scannow" and let the scan fixes your system files.

See if this step works. Tell me the result.

Tried that. Found several other issues but not this one. Thanks.

Second step:
Try to disable autoplay
in the control panel, go to "autoplay" and uncheck “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices”

Tell me the result.

Tried that as well. Didn't work. Thanks.

 

[Mr Grimbahir]

Second step:
Try to disable autoplay
in the control panel, go to "autoplay" and uncheck “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices”

Tell me the result.

 

[Zanderzen]

Sorry but I have never seen a program called 'File Explorer' in any of the Task Manager tabs. I have a short cut on my task bar that opens to 'This PC' and its been that way for years. When I click on that, 'Windows Explorer' appears in the 'Process' tab of the 'Task Manager'. If I click 'Restart' the main task bar and icons briefly disappear.

 

[juanamm]

First of all update your operating system (Windows Updates)
Then:
Open CMD as administrator and try this command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

At the end restart and try this other:

sfc /scannow

 

[Uncle Mac]

After seeing first almost identical thread this ends here.

Save your files if anything worth saving and do a complete format and complete full install of latest windows 10. Suggestion ltsc maybe. THIS will surely solve the problem what ever it is. Im lost for anymore words. GOOD LUCK