How to Uninstall Windows Explorer from Windows 7
Windows Explorer is a core component of the Windows operating system, providing users with a graphical user interface to manage files, folders, and other system resources. However, there may be situations where you want to uninstall Windows Explorer from Windows 7 for various reasons, such as performance issues or compatibility problems. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling Windows Explorer from Windows 7.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before proceeding with the uninstallation process, it is crucial to backup all your important data. Uninstalling Windows Explorer may lead to system instability, and you don’t want to lose any valuable information in the process.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To uninstall Windows Explorer, you need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start button and type “cmd” in the search box.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Click “Yes” when prompted for confirmation.
Step 3: Disable Windows Explorer
Now that you have Command Prompt open as an administrator, you can proceed to disable Windows Explorer. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
reg add “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced” /v DisableNotificationCenter /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
“`
This command disables the Windows Explorer notification center, effectively hiding the taskbar and system tray.
Step 4: Rename Windows Explorer
To complete the uninstallation process, you need to rename the Windows Explorer executable file. Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
ren %windir%\System32\explorer.exe explorer_old.exe
“`
This command renames the original Windows Explorer executable to “explorer_old.exe,” preventing the system from running it.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After renaming the Windows Explorer executable, restart your computer to apply the changes. Once your computer boots up, you will no longer see the Windows Explorer interface.
Step 6: Re-enable Windows Explorer (Optional)
If you decide that you want to restore Windows Explorer later, you can easily do so by renaming the “explorer_old.exe” file back to “explorer.exe” and restarting your computer.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Windows Explorer from Windows 7 is a straightforward process, but it is essential to proceed with caution and backup your data before making any changes to your system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully disable or uninstall Windows Explorer and potentially improve your system’s performance or resolve compatibility issues.
