How to Fix:“explorer.exe Class Not Registered” on Windows 11/10

Have you ever been engrossed in your computer tasks only to be blindsided by the vexing “Explorer.exe class not registered” error message? This unexpected interruption can be incredibly frustrating, especially when productivity is at stake.

This guide aims to assist you in rectifying the “Explorer.exe class not registered” error in Windows 10 or Windows 11, getting you back on track swiftly. If this issue has been impeding your progress, stay tuned for effective solutions to restore your workflow in no time.

Decoding the “Class Not Registered” Error

The appearance of the “Explorer.exe class not registered” error can be attributed to various factors, including corrupted files or malfunctioning hard drives. In some instances, opting for a new hard drive featuring up to 7200 RPM could be a solution.

This error typically signifies the damage or absence of system files associated with explorer.exe. To address this issue comprehensively, a grasp of DLL (Dynamic-Link Library) files’ role in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is essential.

DLL files, similar to shared libraries, are indispensable for the smooth functioning of Windows programs. Their efficiency lies in minimizing memory consumption and executing tasks without simultaneous loading.

This error isn’t confined to a specific domain; it can manifest during a variety of activities, affecting applications from the Explorer exe file to the Windows photo app.

Instances of this error are manifold, encompassing scenarios such as:

• OneNote Class not registered
• Xbox app Class not registered
• Skype Class not registered
• Explorer.exe Class not registered mail
• Visual Studio Class not registered
• Calculator Class not registered
• Microsoft Office 365 Class not registered
• Snipping tool Class not registered
• Taskbar Class not registered
• Settings Class not registered

Numerous users have reported encountering this error post Windows updates or transitioning to a new Windows version. However, the good news is that you need not revert these changes. The methods outlined below can rectify the error while preserving your new OS.

Delving into the Causes of the “Class Not Registered” Error

The origin of the “Explorer.exe Class Not Registered” error can be attributed to a variety of factors:

• File Corruption: The error often stems from corrupted files within the application.
• Hard Drive Issues: The error can also arise from corruption in your hard drive or damaged operating system files.
• Unregistered Files: Some files might become unregistered due to malware or improper installation.

The error can surface during diverse activities, such as opening media files, accessing DLL files, launching photo viewing apps, initiating the Start menu, using Microsoft Office applications, or even opening browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

The following solutions can help eradicate this error and prevent its recurrence:

Fixing the “Class Not Registered” Error in Windows 10

Several remedies can be employed to tackle the “class not registered explorer.exe” error on your Windows 10 system. Explore these solutions:

1. Re-Register the ExplorerFrame.dll File

The explorerframe.dll file, crucially linked with explorer.exe, can lead to the “class not registered” error if unregistered. Follow these steps to re-register it:

• Open the search bar via the magnifying glass icon or Windows + S shortcut.
• Type “Command Prompt” in the search box, right-click it, and choose “Run as Administrator”.
  
• Accept the User Account Control prompt.
• Execute the command: regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll
  

2. Enable Component Services

The Component Services tool can rectify the “class not registered explorer.exe” error:

• Press Windows + R, input “dcomcnfg”, and hit Enter.
  
• Navigate to Component Services > Computers > My Computer > DCOM Config.
  
• Click Yes on any alerts that appear and restart your computer.

3. Create a New User Account

If the explorer.exe error is due to a corrupted user profile, creating a new user account can offer a solution:

• Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
  
• Opt for creating a user without a Microsoft account.

4. Sign In With a Microsoft Account

Switching to a Microsoft account from a local one can potentially resolve the “explorer.exe class not registered” error.

• Go to Settings > Account > Your info > Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

5. Run System File Checker and DISM Commands

Running System File Checker (sfc) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) commands can rectify system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the commands: sfc /scannow and DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

6. Start the Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service

The Internet Explorer ETW Collector service is critical for proper explorer.exe functionality. Initiate it through the Services window and Task Manager:

• Launch Run with Windows + R and input “services.msc”.
  
• Locate “Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service”, start it, and
• Right-click on an empty space in your taskbar and choose Task Manager from the context menu.
• Restart Windows Explorer through Task Manager.
  
  

7. Reset Default Apps

Resetting default apps can address the issue if a default app isn’t functioning correctly:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Execute the command to re-register Windows apps: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Armed with these solutions, you can banish the “Explorer.exe class not registered” error from your Windows 10 system, restoring seamless functionality.