10 Fixes For Explorer.Exe Class Not Registered Windows 10

If you try to open an app or program on Windows 10, but it doesn’t work. You’ll see an error message that says, “Class not registered error.” Don’t worry. A large number of people get this problem in Windows. More significantly, you can quickly repair it on your own. This issue happens on Windows 10 primarily due to unregistered DLL files in an app or program.

class not registered windows 10

Apps that work with.DLL files are beneficial. The DLL files require less memory and do not need to be loaded all at once. On the other hand, an a.DLL file is upgraded to a newer version or removed from the computer. The software that relies on it may fail or stop working correctly.

DLL files contain data and instructions that are required for programs to run correctly. When a.DLL file becomes unregistered, “Class not registered error” appears. It can wreak havoc on practically any piece of software.

Methods To Fix Class Not Registered Error

  1. Restart Windows File Explorer
  2. Run SFC And DISM
  3. Restart Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service
  4. Reset Default Apps
  5. Set Windows Photo Viewer to Default Image Viewer
  6. Change your Default Browser Application
  7. Re-register Explorerframe. DLL File
  8. Use Component Services
  9. Check Your Hard Drive
  10. Disable the iCloud Services

1. Restart Windows File Explorer

Try to restart Explorer if you’re getting this problem while using the Start Menu, Cortana, or Microsoft Edge. You’ll need the open Task Manager window to restart it.

Task manager is a system monitor tool. It displays information on the processes and programs currently operating on a computer. Also, the computer’s overall state.

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keypad to open it.
  • Right-clicking on Start and selecting “Task Manager,” you can get to Task Manager. 
task manager
  • Click on the “Details” in Task Manager and look for “explorer.exe” in the list. Select “End task” from the drop-down menu by right-clicking on it.
explorer.exe end task
  • Click “File” and then “Run new task” from the drop-down menu to launch Explorer.
  • Explorer will restart if you type “explorer” and press Enter on your keyboard or if you click “OK.”

2. Run SFC And DISM

It’s possible that missing or corrupted files are causing issues with Windows 10. Read more to learn how to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). System File Checker (SFC) command tools to repair the installation.

  • In the Windows search box, type cmd.
  • Select the “Run as administrator” menu of the Command Prompt output.
  • Paste the command into the Command Prompt window and hit Enter:
    • SFC/scannow
SFC /scannow
  • Wait for Windows to finish scanning and then restart your computer. 
scan and correct faults

If the methods above do not work, you should try running DISM:

  • As an administrator, open Command Prompt.
  • After typing the following command, hit Enter:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth 
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • Once the scan is complete, write the following and press Enter again:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 

3. Restart Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service

Check the Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service if you’re using Internet Explorer or Edge. When this service is active, it collects and analyses real-time ETW events. Checking to see if this service is running may resolve the class not registered error. It won’t happen if you’re using Internet Explorer or Edge.

  • Open the Run dialogue box by searching “run” in Search and clicking the “Run” result to verify the service’s status.
  • You can also open it with the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
  • Type “services.msc” in the Run dialogue box and press Enter on your keyboard or select “OK.”
services.msc
  • A list of services will be present in the Services panel. Right-click on “Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service,” then pick “Start” from the drop-down menu.
Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service

4. Reset Default Apps

If you get the “Class not registered error” warning when trying to open an a.JPG file, try resetting your default apps. When you open a specific file type or protocol, Windows automatically launches the default software. Go to Settings and select “Apps” to reset your default software.

  • Select the Start menu. The Windows logo can be found in the bottom left corner of your screen.
  • After clicking on the start menu icon, go to settings.
  • Select Apps, then Default Apps from the drop-down menu.
Reset Default Apps
  • To get to the bottom of the menu, scroll down.
  • Reset the device by pressing the reset button.
reset default apps

All selections will revert to their original default system apps after pressing the reset button. Groove will open music. Photos will open photographs. Edge will open online links, and so on. You can then return to your options and (re)customize them.

5. Set Windows Photo Viewer to Default Image Viewer

  • Right-click any picture on your computer to see a menu of options.
  • Choose properties With from the menu. Then Choose “Change.”
Choose Change to default photo viewer
  • Select Windows Photo Viewer from the menu.
  • If you only wish to view photos with Windows Photo Viewer, make sure that option is selected. 
photos with Windows Photo Viewer
  • To open.jpg files, always use this software. To save your changes, click OK.
  • If you don’t want to make any registry modifications, you may just download any free picture viewing program.
  • When trying to view.jpg files, you may receive a Class not registered error. If this occurs, you should change your default image reader to a Windows Photo Viewer.

6. Change your Default Browser Application

It’s critical to have a default browser because it’s the one that opens when you click a link in an email. Windows search box or other apps redirect to this app.

You can set Chrome, Firefox, or any other third-party browser as your default. In Windows 10, here’s how to change your browser.

  • Go to the Settings tab. You may access it using the Start menu.
  • Choose  “Apps.”
  • In the left panel, select Default apps.
  • Under the “Web browser” category, select Microsoft Edge. If you have a different browser, the symbol for that program will appear under “Web browser.”
google chrome default browser
  • In the pop-up menu, choose a new browser (for example, Google Chrome).
  • You’ll notice that your new browser option has been added to the list under “Web browser.”
  • Return to these instructions if you want to change your default browsers again.

7. Re-register Explorerframe.Dll File

Suppose you encounter the “Class not registered error” while using Internet Explorer. Using Command Prompt, try re-registering the ExplorerFrame. DLL file to fix the problem.

The actual name for Command Prompt is Windows Command Processor. Although it’s frequently known as the command shell, cmd prompt, or simply by its filename, cmd.exe.

It then runs the command as written and performs the operation or function that it was created to do in Windows. Some commands in Windows require you to use an elevated Command Prompt to execute them.

  • You must type a valid command with any optional parameters to utilize Command Prompt.
  • Right-click on the “Command Prompt” result after typing “command prompt” in Search.
  • To execute it with administrative privileges, select “Run as administrator.”
  • When you choose “Run as administrator,” a User Account Control prompt will display if you want to grant Command Prompt access to your computer. “Yes” should be selected.
  • To run the command, type “regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll” in Command Prompt and click Enter on your keyboard.
regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll
  • Now open Internet Explorer and observe whether the “Class not registered” error still occurs.

8. Use Component Services

  • Open the Run dialogue box by typing “run” into the Search box and clicking the “Run” result. You can also open it with the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
  • Type “dcomcnfg” into the Run dialogue box and press Enter on your keyboard, or click “OK.”
dcomcnfg
  • Double-click on “Component Services” in the left panel of the Component Services window, then “Computers,” and pick “My Computer.”
  • In the middle panel, double-click “DCOM Config.” A “DCOM Configuration Warning” notice will appear.
Close the Component Services window
  • Close the Component Services window.” If the “Class not registered” error persists, restart your computer.

9. Check Your Hard Drive

When there is an issue with your hard disc, an error can arise. You should use Command Prompt to verify that the hard drive is working correctly. You can use the WMIC line in Command Prompt to check your hard disc health condition. The WMIC is a scripting interface and command-line. It works with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and WMI-managed systems.

  • To manually verify your Hard Drive Disk, open Command Prompt in Windows by searching for “prompt” and clicking the result.
  • Enter the command line “wmic diskdrive get status” in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter on your keyboard.
wmic diskdrive get status
  • Each hard drive on your computer should have an “OK” status if everything is in order.
  • If you get “Caution,” “Bad,” or “Unknown,” your drive may be having troubles or retrieving information regarding its state. 
  • In this scenario, look into it further because your hard disc may need to be replaced.

We hope one of these solutions may assist you in resolving the “Class not registered” error on Windows 10.

10. Disable the iCloud Services

iCloud is another principal reason for the “Class Not Registered” issue. To fix the problem, you’ll need to use Task Manager to close iCloud.

  • By hitting Ctrl+shift+esc on your keyboard, you may access Task Manager.
  • iCloud can be found by scrolling down through Task Manager and right-clicking on it. 
  • To stop it, click “End Task.” You can also click the process and then the “End Task” button to complete the task.
  • If you don’t want iCloud to start when you turn on your computer, disable it or delete it from the Startup list.
  • In the Task Manager, go to the “starting” tab and look for iCloud.
  • Select iCloud, then click the “Disable” button or right-click on it and choose “Disable” from the drop-down menu.

Causes of Explorer.Exe Class Not Registered

When it comes to the causes of the “Class not Registered” error, there are several. It’s because the DLL file isn’t registered. Certain functions used by a specific program are unable to be launched, resulting in an error.

A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file is similar to an.EXE (executable) file in that it contains a series of commands used to conduct specific tasks. Because multiple apps can share the same.dll file, the problem could spread quickly (depending on the affected .DLL). Few examples of errors that users have encountered:

  • When opening photos, you get a “Class not Registered” error.
  • When opening PDF files, the message “Class not Registered” error appears.
  • When trying to open photographs in Windows 10, the message “Class not Registered” error appears.
  • “Class not Registered” error when using some programs. It includes Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and others. 

Because of the Windows operating system’s essential functioning, there is rarely a single universal solution. Troubleshooting is required to resolve the “Class not Registered” error since each Windows system is unique. It can run on different versions and have different setup settings.

Conclusion 

The “Explorer.exe class not registered” error may create a wide range of issues on your computer. We hope that our remedies have resolved your problem. I case the issue persists, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Explorer.Exe Not Working?

Suppose your explorer.exe file does not load when you start your computer. It could indicate file damage, a system fault, or a virus. Any user with administrator rights can access these tools. You should consult with the system administrator before making any changes.

What Does Explorer.Exe Class Not Registered error Mean?

When a virus or malware contaminates antivirus software, it deletes some antivirus files. Also, the system files it was destroying and cleaning. As a result, the explorer.exe “class not registered error” appears.

What Is Command Prompt Window?

Command Prompt is an input area of a text user interface screen. A command-line interpreter application is available in most Windows operating systems. It is used to carry out directives that have been entered. The majority of commands are used to automate tasks with scripts and batch files. Also, execute advanced administrative activities, troubleshoot, and resolve specific Windows difficulties.

Is Explorer.exe a virus?

No, it’s not the case. The genuine explorer.exe file is part of the “Windows Explorer” system process, a safe Microsoft Windows system process. Malware programmers, such as those that create viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. They give their operations identical file names to avoid discovery.

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.