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How to fix ‘explorer exe class not registered’ error?

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Windows is a rather well-polished OS, but it isn’t immune to bugs and glitches. Every now and then, users keep reporting some sort of issue with various Windows components.

In this article, we’re taking a look at how to fix the ‘explorer.exe class not registered’ error in Windows 10.

Also read: How to fix File System Error in Windows 10?


Set Edge as your default browser

Setting Edge as your default browser can help override errors caused by Explorer. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Default apps. Click the corresponding search result.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 2: Scroll down and make sure that Edge is selected as the default browser.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Alternatively, you can also go ahead and reset all defaults using the Reset button at the bottom to reset to Microsoft’s recommended programs.


Disable the old Explorer

One of the most popular reasons for this error is the new version of Internet Explorer (Edge) and the older version conflicting at boot. To resolve this, disable the old version like this.

Step 1: Head over to the Control Panel and click on Programs and features.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 2: Click Turn Windows Features on or off. in the top left.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 3: Uncheck Internet Explorer 11 and click OK,

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Now restart your PC, and after a short update, everything should work just fine.

Also read: Nvidia Control Panel access denied: 6 fixes


Reregister ExplorerFrame.dll

Registering missing DLL files again can also help you get around the issue.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the quick access menu. Click Command Prompt (Admin).

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 2: Type the following command and hit enter.

regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll
How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Now restart your PC, and the ‘explorer exe class not registered’ error should be gone.


Restart Component services

Restarting component services has also been reported as a fix for this problem. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type dcomcnfg and hit enter.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 2: Expand Component Services, followed by Computers and then My Computer. Double click DCOM Config in the right-hand panel.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Now restart your PC, and the ‘explorer exe class not registered’ error should stop appearing.

Also read: How to fix Error 1053 in Windows?


Create a new local account

Sometimes, creating a new local account to log into your PC can help you get around the error.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Add users. Click the corresponding search result.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 2: Under Other users, click the Add someone else to this PC button.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Step 3: Fill out the account details and try logging in to see if that resolves your issue.

How to fix 'explorer exe class not registered' error?

Check the Explorer ETW Collector service

Sometimes background services can also cause this issue.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type services.msc and hit enter.

Step 2: Look for the Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service, right-click it and select Start (or Restart if the service is already running)

Step 3: Head over to the Task Manager and click the Details tab.

Step 4: Find the explorer.exe process, right-click it and click End Task.

The ‘explorer exe class not registered’ error should be gone now.

Also read: Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings: 10 Fixes

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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