Share this article
Improve this guide
Explorer.exe Class not Registered: 3 Ways to Fix it
Use the steps below to put an end to explorer.exe errors
17 min. read
Updated onSeptember 16, 2024
updated onSeptember 16, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
We have all encountered an error on Windows 11, and speaking of errors, it seems that some users are having theExplorer.exe class not registeredissue.
As far as we know, this error can affect almost any software, and users have reported that Google Chrome isn’t working on Windows 11 due to this one either. We will further see what other programs and software also get affected by this issue.
But fear not as you have come to the right place! Below, we have prepared a list of solutions for you to try in order to fix the problem right after we see what theExplorer.exe class not registeredmessage means. Follow along!
What does class not registered mean?
One of your most asked questions is what the above error message means, thus we will explore it in the following section because we want you to be informed at all times.
According to the error message, the occurrence of this issue indicates that the system files associated with explorer.exe have become corrupted or have gone missing. In order to fully comprehend this mistake, we must first understand the operation and significance of the DLL files within Windows.The Dynamic-link Library (DLL) files, also known as shared libraries, are essential for the proper operation of all Windows programs.These files are extremely advantageous to users since they may run on less memory and have the capability of completing their function without having to be loaded in their whole at the same time.
Theclass not registerederror is not specific just to Windows 11 alone. It appears on different operating systems as well. For example, Windows 10’s class not registered issue is exactly the same one and occurs because of similar reasons.
Another variation that causes trouble to our users isclass not registeredon Windows 7. Even though we haven’t heard much about it lately, we still take it into account and wish to help you get over any bumps along the way.
This can cause various problems on your PC, and speaking of that, many clients reported the following ones as well:
On top of this, the error doesn’t occur on just one brand of computer, but it appears on multiple laptop/PC brands such as:
When you launch an application, the explorer.exe file attempts to load the program by accessing the DLL documents. You will obtain an error message statingclass not registeredif the DLL files associated with that application have been uninstalled or have not been updated to their most recent version.
The reason for this problem is that the shared DLL file becomes unregistered from time to time due to various causes. As a result, Windows is unable to associate the file with the program that the user wishes to start.
Another cause of the issue could be antivirus software that a user has installed on his or her computer. When the antivirus software is contaminated, it deletes some antivirus files as well as the system files it was destroying. As a result, theExplorer.exe class is not registeredmessage appears.The error is a straightforward one that may be resolved in a short period of time by simply following the below instructions. It is critical to first identify the root cause of the error before attempting to resolve the problem at hand.
How do I fix a class not registered error?
1. Disable iCloud
In addition, you can also disableiCloudfrom starting up by usingTask Manager.Check our article on how to add or remove startup appsfor a more in-depth approach.
2. Re-register ExplorerFrame.dll file
If Internet Explorer keeps crashing while giving you theclass not registerederror, you might need to open the Command Prompt and manage DLL files as shown in the example below.
-
OpenCommand Promptas administrator. To do that, typecmdinWindows searchand selectRun as administratorfrom the list of options.
-
WhenCommand Promptopens, paste the following code and pressEnterto run it:regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll
-
Press theEnterkey and wait for the file registration to be completed.
3. Check your hard drive
In some rare cases, aclass not registerederror can be caused by a faulty hard drive, so make sure that your hard drive is working properly. Few users have reported that replacing their hard drives has fixed this issue.Take a look at our post on new hard drive not showing up in Windows 10/11.
That’s why we recommend you use a high-quality hard drive, like the Seagate BarraCuda 2 TB, which provides 2000 GB of space along with a read speed of 220 Megabytes per second.
This is a 3.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s HDD that also comes with a 7200 RPM that ensures that your PC will run smoothly each time and a 256MB Cache of 3.5-Inch.
If you really need to change your hard drive, we can help you witha list of the best hard drives for Windows 10/11.
4. Use Component Services
Most users have stated that modifying certain settings from the Component Services menu has solved the problem for them.
5. Use a different local account
If there’s no other way to fix theclass not registerederror on your Windows 11 PC, you might want to create a new Microsoft account, so just take a look at the next solution.
Log out of your current account and switch to a new one.If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app,take a look at our articleon how to fix the Settings issue.
6. Create a new Microsoft account
We have to mention that this solution might not work unless you choose to sign in with a local account instead. To switch to thelocal account, follow the steps above.
7. Use a great browser
When it comes to an issue like theclass not registerederror on your browser, a great idea would be for you to switch to a better one.
We recommend an established browser that comes with a built-in VPN, such asOpera One, which means that your online experience is safe from cyber threats.
In addition, you have some really fun extensions like the incorporated Messenger app. You also get built-in VPN, Ad Blocker and even an AI.
Opera One
8. Set Microsoft Edge as the default browser
9. Check if Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service is running
Theclass not registerederror often affectsInternet Explorerso if you’re having this specific problem with your browsers, try the instructions above.
After you complete this procedure,Explorerwill start again, and everything should be working accordingly.
This solution is addressed only for the users who still use Internet Explorer. This browser will become obsolete on June 15th 2022 so make sure you switch to Microsoft Edge or another, more recent browser.
10. Change the default image viewer to Microsoft Photos
If you don’t want to add any changes to your registry, you can simply download any free image viewing software, install it on your computer and repeat all steps starting fromStep 2.
As we already mentioned, theclass not registerederror can appear when you try to view .jpg files, and if this happens, you might want to set your default image viewer to Microsoft Photos.
There are a lot of alternatives to Microsoft Photos, socheck out the best digital photo album software for Windowsto take your pick.
11. Reset default apps
According to users, aclass not registerederror appears when they try to open a .jpg file on their computer, and this problem can be fixed by resetting default apps. To do that, follow the instructions above.
We have preparedan article on what to do if you can’t change the Windows default appsso check it out if you have problems.
12. Run the SFC scan
Reboot your computer after you’ve finished waiting for the process to complete(which could take some time) before continuing.
Theclass not registerederror details are usually found in the interruption message, which may include characters such as file explorer class not registered or other characters indicating a malfunctioning or unresponsive process, among other things.It simply means that your Windows 11 is unable to link to a file that you are attempting to access with the software you are attempting to launch.
Which games and browsers are affected by theclass not registerederror?
It may come off as a surprise when you hear that the sameclass not registered erroroccurs also in games, and in popular ones such as:
On top of this, browsers are no exception from this. Multiple web browsers such as those listed below will experience at some point theclass not registerederror:
Lastly, the error at hand is portrayed on other programs, tools, and services outside Microsoft or Windows such as the following examples:
Windows components are no exception to this. Microsoft products neither. The following are some of the errors our users reported getting:
What happens if I end explorer exe?
It has been discovered that terminating explorer.exe would not only close any open File Explorer windows, but it will also render the Start menu, Taskbar, and System Tray useless.
This is because explorer.exe is responsible for maintaining open File Explorer windows. However, restarting Explorer may in fact be of assistance in some circumstances.
TheExplorer.exe class not registerederror can cause all sorts of problems on your computer, but we hope that our solutions have fixed this issue for you.For further information and potential solutions,take a peek at our article on how to fix File Explorer problems in Windows 10/11.Alternatively, for those who are using the latter OS, you might want tolearn how to enable Internet Explorer on Windows 11.And lastly, if youdon’t know what to do when Windows 11’s File Explorer is lagging, check out the guide linked in order to find out how to fix the error for good.
If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix EXE file errors
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
User forum
17 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
