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Windows Explorer Not Refreshing: How to Force it

Outdated Windows can prevent File Explorer from auto refreshing

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 23, 2023

updated onOctober 23, 2023

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Key notes

Windows File Explorer not refreshing is an annoying problem users may experience when using File Explorer. However, File Explorer is expected to automatically detect and update files whenever you download or make changes on your computer.

The auto refresh process allows the File Explorer to update changes such as creating a new folder, deleting, renaming, or moving a file or folder on your computer.

So, if the File Explorer stops auto-refresh, it’ll prevent it from incorporating the changes you make in the app.

Furthermore, there are other issues relating to the File Explorer, such as theFile Explorer freezing after creating a new folderand theFile Explorer crashing after right-clickingon your computer.

These issues may affect the entire app and cause Windows Explorer to stop refreshing automatically.

Moreover, the Windows File Explorer not refreshing issue is expected in almost all versions of Windows computers.

Hence, this article will discuss the best solutions for the problem that’ll work across all Windows computers.

Users also complain thatFile Explorer may become extremely slow on Windowsfor various reasons. You can read through our article for a guide on how to fix the problem.

Why is the File Explorer not refreshing?

What can I do if File Explorer does not refresh automatically?

1. Update your Windows OS

If there’s an update available, Windows will automatically search for it and install it. We recommend you restart your PC to check if the issue persists.

You can also readhow to enable the dark theme in file explorerfor a more enjoyable experience.

2. Restart your PC

Restarting your PC can fix any startup issues that may prompt the Windows 11 auto refresh problem or other issues affecting your computer.

3. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode

The computer will restart in safe mode. Rebooting your PC safely will help you fix issues deep-rooted into the system that may affect it.

4. Update drivers

Restart your computer after the updating process is complete.

Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Create a new user profile

6. Clean File Explorer history

This solution is also useful if theWindows 11 desktop is not refreshingbut the highlighted guide will provide more solutions.

7. Run netsh and winsock reset

Why do I need to refresh Windows Explorer?

Refreshing the Window File Explorer allows you to verify the new changes in your files and folders. It updates and incorporates the changes you make into the computer.

Nonetheless, if you’re interested inhow to fix the no permissions to save in this location error in File Explorer, our detailed guide is what you’re looking for.

Likewise, we recommend you check our article onhow to recover missing tabs in Windows 11 File Explorerfor solutions.

If this guide has been helpful, kindly leave suggestions or feedback in the comments section. We’d like to hear from you.

Windows Explorer Not Refreshing: How to Force it#

What can I do if File Explorer does not refresh automatically?#

1. Update your Windows OS#

2. Restart your PC#

3. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode#

4. Update drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

5. Create a new user profile#

6. Clean File Explorer history#

7. Run netsh and winsock reset#

Why do I need to refresh Windows Explorer?#