Recently I installed Windows 11 and hence then my windows doesn't refresh automatically. Every time I have to refresh manually to see any chances both in desktop and in folders.Tried everything found in the net. Nothing working.I run windows update, does some tweaks in the registry, run certain commands in the command prompt... nothing working.Please help.

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.

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.

I have RESOLVED this problem!!!you just need checked the Expand to open folder in Folder Options. Open File ExplorerClick 3 dots on top barChoose OptionWhen Folder Options opened, select the tab ViewGo to Navigation paneChecked the box Expand to open folderClick button OkRestart your File Explorerhope this problem resolve

I understand the frustration of your Windows 11 not refreshing automatically. Let's try some additional troubleshooting steps:Restart Windows Explorer: This can often resolve temporary glitches. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager. Find "Windows Explorer" under Processes, right-click it, and select "Restart."Reset Folder Views: Corrupted folder view settings might be causing issues. Open File Explorer, click the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Options." In the View tab, click "Reset Folders" and confirm.Check Background Refresh: A registry setting might be disabled. Press Win+R, type regedit (be cautious editing the registry), and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Background\Refresh. In the right pane, double-click "Enabled" and set the value data to "1" (if it's not already).Disable OneDrive Desktop Syncing: In some cases, OneDrive syncing can interfere with refresh. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (if visible) or system tray, select "Settings" > "Settings" again, and uncheck the box for "Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows."If none of these solutions work, consider:System File Checker (SFC) Scan: This can repair corrupt system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.DISM Scan: If SFC doesn't fix it, a DISM scan can address broader system image issues. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and press Enter (this can take time).Remember to restart your computer after making any changes.

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

Windows 11 not refreshing | Microsoft Community Hub

23 Replies

Vanilt
Copper Contributor
Aug 15, 2024
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
- Mik_64
  Copper Contributor
  Feb 03, 2025
  Hi
  I have the same problem, you know its truly amazing that I never had this problem when I was using Google Drive.
  Invariably when I have a problem on my PC it traces back to OneDrive
- abditory
  Copper Contributor
  Sep 27, 2024
  
  No option to select background refresh in Registry or in the Folder Options on Explorer.
  I have to refresh each time a change is made and it is frustrating!
  - fra4nky
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 30, 2024
    I had the same problem - try reinstalling Windows from the so-called update while maintaining files and programs.
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-perform-repair-upgrade-in-windows-11/8099a5ae-8afc-406f-864d-8d13c3742d8d
Sajjad
Brass Contributor
Jun 16, 2024
Patteron
Windows 11 auto-refresh might be wonky. Here are 5 quick fixes:
Check Background Refresh: Open File Explorer Options (three dots menu) and ensure "Background refresh" is enabled.
Clear File Explorer Cache: Same Options menu, navigate to "Clear" under "Search history".
Restart File Explorer: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, find "Windows Explorer", right-click and "Restart".
Update Windows: Outdated OS can cause glitches. Check for updates in Settings > Update & Security.
Registry Fix (Advanced): Search online for "Enable Background Refresh Windows 11 Registry" (expert users only). These should get your automatic refresh back on track!
KapilArya
MVP
Jun 13, 2024
Since you already tried common solutions and issue still persists, try performing repair upgrade using this community guide:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-perform-repair-upgrade-in-windows-11/8099a5ae-8afc-406f-864d-8d13c3742d8d
Odysseuss
Copper Contributor
Jun 13, 2024
Sometimes, other software can interfere with Windows' auto-refresh feature. Try closing all unnecessary programs and background applications.
Sajjad
Brass Contributor
Jun 10, 2024
I understand the frustration of your Windows 11 not refreshing automatically. Let's try some additional troubleshooting steps:

Restart Windows Explorer: This can often resolve temporary glitches. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager. Find "Windows Explorer" under Processes, right-click it, and select "Restart."

Reset Folder Views: Corrupted folder view settings might be causing issues. Open File Explorer, click the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Options." In the View tab, click "Reset Folders" and confirm.

Check Background Refresh: A registry setting might be disabled. Press Win+R, type regedit (be cautious editing the registry), and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Background\Refresh. In the right pane, double-click "Enabled" and set the value data to "1" (if it's not already).

Disable OneDrive Desktop Syncing: In some cases, OneDrive syncing can interfere with refresh. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (if visible) or system tray, select "Settings" > "Settings" again, and uncheck the box for "Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows."

If none of these solutions work, consider:

System File Checker (SFC) Scan: This can repair corrupt system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.
DISM Scan: If SFC doesn't fix it, a DISM scan can address broader system image issues. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and press Enter (this can take time).
Remember to restart your computer after making any changes.
- SimonStHilaire
  Copper Contributor
  Nov 19, 2024
  "Reset Folder Views" Worked for me. Thank you.

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Windows 11 not refreshing

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