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Solved: Windows 11 Desktop is Not Refreshing Automatically
This problem is the result of a OneDrive conflict with the OS
4 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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When you copy or delete something from the desktop, the Windows 11 desktop is not refreshing automatically, and you don’t see the change? All the editors at Windows Report have undergone this problem at some time and we know how to fix it.
Why are my Windows 11 desktop icons not updating?
How do I fix my Windows 11 desktop if it’s not auto-refreshing?
1. Remove the Desktop folder from OneDrive
1.1 Remove the Desktop folder from the OneDrive app
This is an elegant way of disabling the backup for the Desktop folder but if it fails, you can also try the alternative below.
1.2 Remove the Desktop folder from OneDrive in Windows Explorer
Most of the time, the problem is that OneDrive has trouble syncing the desktop, conflicting with the auto refresh in Windows 11.
By deleting the Desktop folder from OneDrive, the files on the desktop won’t sync anymore, preventing the issue. In the Windows Report lab, we also tried uninstalling and reinstalling OneDrive, but it didn’t work.
You should know that there are plenty ofalternatives to OneDriveso you can use a better one next time.
2. Clear File Explorer history and restore defaults
Clearing the Windows Explorer history and restoring it to default settings is another efficient method to fix the problem if the files saved to desktop are not visible until you hit refresh.
With this solution, you may also fix problems withFile Explorer not refreshingbut the highlighted guide has more insight into this particular issue.
3. Run an SFC scan
For some users, the solutions above didn’t work because the root of the problem was somecorrupted system files. The SFC scan will repair them and after a reboot, everything will return to normal, and the Windows 11 desktop will auto-refresh like it’s supposed to.
This process can be greatly simplified when using a toolthat specializes in system restoration. This software will scan your system and repair or replace any broken and corrupted files within minutes.
4. Terminate the Windows Explorer processes
For some of our readers, this explorer refresh was enough to refresh the desktop icons automatically.
How do I manually refresh my Windows 11 desktop?
Here we conclude our guide on how to fix Windows 11 if the desktop is not refreshing automatically. From the WR lab tests, the culprit is OneDrive, and disabling its Desktop backup should fix the problem for most users.
However, a clogged File Explorer history or simply corrupt system files may cause this issue as well.
If you didn’t upgrade to the latest OS, you may also be interested in our guide onhow to fix Windows 10 icons.
For any other questions or suggestions for new solutions, hit the comments section below and leave us a note.
More about the topics:Desktop error,Windows 11
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
