How To Restart Windows without Rebooting

To restart Windows without restarting your computer, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Shut Down
2. Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you click Restart The Computer, and then click Yes
3. As soon as the screen clears, release the SHIFT key

Or Just Restart Windows Explorer Without Rebooting:

1. Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESCAPE  (Together)
2. Click on the Processes tab
3. Find: explorer.exe, Right click on it, then select End Process 
4.  Confirm End Process (Terminate it)
5. Click File from the Task Manager Menu. Then Click New Task (Run...)
6. Type explorer in the Open field.Click OK or hit Enter
7.  In Windows 8 do the same but end the process on the "Processes" page in "More Details"