Windows 11 not refreshing

If disabling a particular shell extension fixes the problem, you know that extension is the culprit. You can then decide to uninstall it or look for an updated version. Important: Back up the registry key you are going to edit by exporting it, so you can restore it later if something goes wrong. Also, be very cautious when editing the registry, because incorrect changes can damage your system.

Finally succeeded!
I’m running Windows 11 Home on a Lenovo and have been extremely frustrated that File Explorer wouldn’t refresh automatically. I tried tinkering with registry keys, clearing caches, and searching for Auto-refresh settings (which I don’t have), but none of that was the issue.

On several forums I visited, I came across a small detail mentioning that third-party programs could interfere with the process and prevent refreshing. In my case, McAfee was pre-installed on my laptop (it triggered every time I downloaded a file or program). I thought I had fully uninstalled it previously, but remnants were still left behind.

Then I found a guide on how to completely remove McAfee – https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/guide-for-completely-removing-mcafee/5faf0655-10c1-4315-bc7b-2d91065e6a6a – and after following the steps (mainly downloading the MCPR tool and running a complete uninstallation), believe it or not, File Explorer started working perfectly!

Absolutely thrilled to have finally solved this problem. Hope this helps someone else too!

Dear Patteron

Please go through the below checklist to resolve your issue with win 11.

1. Check for Windows Updates:
2. Adjust Power Options - Best performance or a balanced option
3. Check for Third-Party Software Interference
4. Create a New User Profile

Sometimes, background apps can interfere with system functionality. Make sure no third-party apps are running that might affect desktop behavior. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see if anything looks out of place.

Sometimes third-party applications can mess with file explorer behavior. If you have any third-party file management tools or desktop customization software, try disabling or uninstalling them to see if the issue persists.

Right-click on the Taskbar, select "File Explorer," and choose "Run as administrator." This might help resolve permissions issues.

Patteron It's hard to imagine how this advice could be any more useless. What I was able to do didn't work, but I was unable to try the regedit advice because there is NO "Background\Refresh" listed. Nor is there a "Background refresh" in File Explorer Options. Why direct people to do things that are impossible?

Heya,
I'm on windows 10 but have had the same problem. I recently fixed it and want to share the solution but all the old posts are locked.
For me, the thing that worked was de-syncing onedrive, removing old directories and reinstalling it, with new sync and directories. 

I had multiple folders for onedrive due to some glitches/overlaps in the past. I also have a work onedrive, and personal onedrive at the same time on the same comp. I think a clean slate helped the system work better.

I was in the acceptance stage of grief when it came to maually refreshing file explorer after every change but it started working after this and I hope it works for you too.

I'm a bit tech savy but not deep enough to be familiar with registry edits and such. Good luck.
~V

Patteron 

Windows 11 auto-refresh might be wonky. Here are 5 quick fixes:

1. Check Background Refresh: Open File Explorer Options (three dots menu) and ensure "Background refresh" is enabled.
2. Clear File Explorer Cache: Same Options menu, navigate to "Clear" under "Search history".
3. Restart File Explorer: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, find "Windows Explorer", right-click and "Restart".
4. Update Windows: Outdated OS can cause glitches. Check for updates in Settings > Update & Security.
5. Registry Fix (Advanced): Search online for "Enable Background Refresh Windows 11 Registry" (expert users only). These should get your automatic refresh back on track!