How to Fix Explorer.Exe Element Not Found Error in Windows 10/11. Encountering the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found error on Windows 10 or 11 can interrupt essential functions like opening the Settings menu, launching File Explorer, or accessing core apps. This error usually signals deeper problems with system files, recent updates, or registry corruption.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to diagnose the issue and apply reliable solutions that work — no technical background needed.
What Causes the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found Issue?
The error is typically triggered by:
-Incomplete or failed Windows updates
-Corrupted system files or missing dependencies
-Registry errors tied to Explorer
-Incompatible third-party programs
-Bugs in recent system patches
Now, let’s walk through the methods to fix this annoying problem.
How to Fix Explorer.Exe Element Not Found Error
Method 1 – Restart the Windows Explorer Process:
When the Explorer shell fails, restarting it can offer a quick fix — especially when the error is intermittent.
Steps to Follow:
1.Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2.Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
3.Right-click it and select End Task.
4.In Task Manager, click File > Run new task.
5.Type ‘explorer.exe’ and click OK.
This restarts the user interface shell. If it works, you’ll temporarily bypass the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found error.
Method 2 – Repair System Files Using Built-In Tools:
If the issue keeps coming back, your system files might be damaged. Microsoft includes powerful utilities to fix these automatically: DISM and SFC.
How to Use DISM and SFC:
1.Open the Start menu.
2.Type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
3.Type:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4.Press Enter.
5.Wait for it to complete (may take several minutes).
6.Once finished, run:
sfc /scannow
This will check your system for missing or broken files. It will repair them automatically. This often resolves the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found problem at its root.
Method 3 – Roll Back a Problematic Windows Update:
If the error started appearing after a Windows update, the update itself could be to blame. Rolling it back may restore normal functionality.
How to Uninstall an Update:
1.Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2.Click View update history, then choose Uninstall updates.
3.Identify the most recent update and click Uninstall.
4.Restart your PC.
Rolling back a recent update can reverse any instability caused by patch bugs or compatibility issues.
Method 4 – Boot Into Safe Mode:
Safe Mode runs Windows with only essential drivers and services. If the error disappears in this mode, third-party software may be interfering.
Steps:
1.Press Win + R, type ‘msconfig’ and press Enter.
2.Go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot.
3.Click OK and restart.
If you no longer see the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found error, some startup program or driver is the culprit.
To isolate it:
1.Perform a clean boot by disabling all non-Microsoft services via msconfig.
2.Re-enable them one by one until the error returns.
Method 5 – Use System Restore (If Available):
If your system previously created a restore point, you can roll Windows back to a time when everything was working fine — without deleting personal files.
Here’s How:
1.Press Win + R, type ‘rstrui’ and press Enter.
2.Select a restore point from before the issue began.
3Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system state.
This can be an effective solution for unexplained, sudden errors like Explorer.Exe Element Not Found.
Method 6 – Create a New User Profile:
Sometimes, the problem may be limited to your current user account due to profile corruption.
To Create a New Profile:
1.Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2.Click Add someone else to this PC.
3.Follow the prompts to set up a new local user.
4.Log in with the new account and check if the error persists.
If it’s resolved, your original profile may be corrupt, and you can migrate your data to the new account.
Method 7 – Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Windows (Last Resort):
If none of the above methods work, a clean reinstallation will wipe system issues completely. Be sure to back up all files before proceeding.
1.Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
2.Create a bootable USB drive.
3.Perform a clean installation using the tool.
This guarantees complete removal of all software issues — including the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found error.
Final Thoughts:
Fixing the Explorer.Exe Element Not Found error doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether caused by broken updates, corrupted files, or third-party conflicts, there’s always a solution. Start with simpler steps like restarting Explorer or running DISM/SFC, then escalate to Safe Mode or system restore if needed.
If all else fails, reinstalling Windows will solve even the most stubborn errors — but in most cases, you’ll fix it long before that.