Recently installed Windows 11. Using Edge. Now, everytime I log in I am greeted with the message Explorer.exe - The parameter is incorrect. To get rid of it you need to reply ok? I'm looking for a fix since I understand that Explorer is no longer supported.
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April 10, 2025
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Explorer.exe message "The Parameter is incorrect"
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Hi Dean. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.
Explorer.exe is File Explorer; what was discontinued and shut down is Internet Explorer.
For Parameter is Incorrect error when signing in to Windows 11 try these fixes first:
https://www.guidingtech.com/top-ways-to-fix-the...
https://thegeekpage.com/the-parameter-is-incorr...
https://techcult.com/fix-the-parameter-is-incor...
https://windows11tools.com/fix-the-parameter-is...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O9YTdz4X08
If none of those work then Go over WIndows 11 with this checklist to find and fix problems:
1) See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:
https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/
System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.
If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-spe...
2) Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.
3) Expedite install of all Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, including needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.
Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.
4) Run a full Windows 11 Disk Check: https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind...
5) Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:
https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/
6) Test for account corruption by creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away:
https://pureinfotech.com/create-local-administr...
Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
You can change it to your Microsoft account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.
7) Download, install and run a full scan with free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ after enabling Root Kit scan in Scan Settings. Clean Up anything it finds and then run again. Turn off Real Time trial in Control panel to keep as on-demand scanner.
8) Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...
9) If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...
Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.
______________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
____________________________Explorer.exe is File Explorer; what was discontinued and shut down is Internet Explorer.
For Parameter is Incorrect error when signing in to Windows 11 try these fixes first:
https://www.guidingtech.com/top-ways-to-fix-the...
https://thegeekpage.com/the-parameter-is-incorr...
https://techcult.com/fix-the-parameter-is-incor...
https://windows11tools.com/fix-the-parameter-is...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O9YTdz4X08
If none of those work then Go over WIndows 11 with this checklist to find and fix problems:
1) See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:
https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/
System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.
If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-spe...
2) Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.
3) Expedite install of all Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, including needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.
Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.
4) Run a full Windows 11 Disk Check: https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind...
5) Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:
https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/
6) Test for account corruption by creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away:
https://pureinfotech.com/create-local-administr...
Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
You can change it to your Microsoft account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.
7) Download, install and run a full scan with free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ after enabling Root Kit scan in Scan Settings. Clean Up anything it finds and then run again. Turn off Real Time trial in Control panel to keep as on-demand scanner.
8) Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...
9) If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...
Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.
______________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020
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Last updated April 16, 2025 Views 2,623 Applies to: