Hidden Secret “Exit Explorer” Option in Windows 8 and 8.1 Taskbar
UPDATE: This trick also works in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
As you all know we are currently testing and revealing new stuff present in Windows 8 recently released by Microsoft.
We have found many secret stuff in Windows 8 which can be found at following link:
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Windows 8 Hidden Secret Features and Useful Hotkeys
If you can remember we have also shared a hidden secret trick in past which allows you to get a hidden option “Exit Explorer” in Windows Vista and Windows 7 Start Menu. Check out following articles for more information:
- Hidden Secret Trick to Exit Explorer Using Start Menu in Windows Vista and 7
- Hidden Secret Trick to Exit Explorer Using Shut Down Dialog Box in Windows
Now Microsoft has removed start menu from Windows 8 so you can’t use the trick given in above mentioned article but no need to worry. Microsoft has added the same option in Windows 8 Taskbar.
To enjoy this new cool option, simply follow these simple steps:
1. Press and hold Ctrl and Shift keys together and right-click on Windows 8 Taskbar.
2. You’ll get a new option “Exit Explorer” in Taskbar context menu as shown in following screenshot:
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3. You can select this new option to immediately end task of Windows Explorer. Please keep in mind, you’ll have no access to Taskbar, Start Screen, once you select this option.
4. To get everything back, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys together to launch Task Manager. If it opens in mini mode, click on More details button and then click on “File -> Run new task” option. Type explorer in the text box and click on OK button and you’ll get everything back and running.
This hidden option might come in use when you want to just end task of Explorer to apply registry changes or software settings.
Also Check:
I think it’s faster if you just press Win + R to run the explorer again. 😉
Windows 8 will be really hard to use for most people, everything (even this basic feature) is hidden.
Many people should be grateful to you VG because you helping to solve this W8 puzzle.
I’m try it and exists in early window 8 build 7850 too ^^
^^ Cool.
@Matthias Kittsteiner
When you exit Explorer, Win+R shortcut doesnt work. 😉
Thanks, VG! I was just missing this feature from Win7 yesterday; good to know it’s still around. 🙂
I think because microsoft want to remove start menu, the hidden “exit explorer” menu moved from startmenu into taskbar.
Windows 8 had so many puzzle inside, good to know this. But its still harder to understand many features in W8 for common people
oh no! you just make me restart my computer! not funny man. i’ll never use that trick anymore! never!
Looks like MS tried too create a smart phone apps computer. Don’t know why they totally took all control away from computer owner. I’m trying to Linux onto mine. With that I’m having probs with that. Getting ready to trash!