How to Reload Folders in File Explorer Windows 11: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Updated on January 28, 2026, by Xcitium

Have you ever opened File Explorer in Windows 11 only to find missing files, outdated folder views, or changes that refuse to appear? If so, you’re not alone. Many users—especially professionals managing large volumes of data—frequently ask how to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11 when the interface doesn’t update as expected.

For IT managers, cybersecurity teams, CEOs, and founders, this is more than a minor inconvenience. File Explorer refresh issues can disrupt workflows, delay investigations, and even cause confusion during incident response or system audits.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11, why refresh problems happen, and how to prevent them using reliable, security-conscious methods.

Why File Explorer Sometimes Fails to Refresh in Windows 11

Before diving into how to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11, it helps to understand why the issue occurs.

Common Reasons for Refresh Issues

Cached folder views
Explorer process glitches
Background sync delays (OneDrive, network drives)
File system indexing delays
High system resource usage

These issues can cause File Explorer to show outdated or incomplete folder contents.

How to Reload Folders in File Explorer Windows 11 (Quick Methods)

Let’s start with the fastest and easiest ways to reload folders.

Method 1: Use the Refresh Shortcut (F5)

The simplest way to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11 is the classic refresh shortcut.

Steps

Open File Explorer
Click inside the folder window
Press F5 on your keyboard

This forces File Explorer to reload the folder contents immediately.

✅ Best for: Minor display glitches or recently added files.

Method 2: Right-Click and Select Refresh

Another basic option for users asking how to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11 is manual refresh.

Steps

Right-click inside the folder (not on a file)
Click Refresh

This performs the same action as F5 but is useful for mouse-based workflows.

Method 3: Navigate Away and Return

Sometimes File Explorer fails to redraw the view properly.

Steps

Click a different folder in the left pane
Return to the original folder

This triggers a fresh reload of the folder view.

How to Reload Folders in File Explorer Windows 11 Using Explorer Restart

If basic refresh doesn’t work, restarting File Explorer is often the most effective fix.

Method 4: Restart File Explorer from Task Manager

This method is highly effective and safe.

Steps

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Locate Windows Explorer
Right-click it
Select Restart

File Explorer will briefly disappear and reload.

✅ Best for: Persistent refresh issues across multiple folders.

Method 5: Restart File Explorer Using Command Prompt

Advanced users and IT professionals may prefer command-line control.

Steps

Open Command Prompt as administrator
Run the following commands:

This fully reloads File Explorer and clears temporary glitches.

How to Reload Network and Shared Folders in Windows 11

Network folders often require additional steps.

Why Network Folders Don’t Refresh

Network latency
Authentication delays
SMB session caching

Best Practices

Press F5 multiple times
Disconnect and reconnect the network drive
Restart File Explorer

Network folder refresh delays are common in enterprise environments.

How to Reload Folders in File Explorer Windows 11 with OneDrive Sync

Cloud-synced folders can complicate refresh behavior.

Fix OneDrive Folder Refresh Issues

Check OneDrive sync status
Pause and resume syncing
Restart OneDrive from system tray
Refresh File Explorer

Ensuring sync completion often resolves missing files.

Fixing Auto-Refresh Issues in File Explorer Windows 11

Sometimes the problem is not refreshing—but refreshing too often.

Common Causes

Corrupt shell extensions
Third-party software conflicts
Malware or unwanted programs

Disabling problematic extensions can stabilize File Explorer behavior.

How to Clear File Explorer Cache

Cached data can prevent proper folder reloads.

Steps to Clear Cache

Open File Explorer Options
Go to General tab
Click Clear under Privacy
Restart File Explorer

This improves accuracy when reloading folders.

Check File Explorer Folder View Settings

Incorrect settings can make folders appear unchanged.

Recommended Settings

Disable “Always show icons, never thumbnails” (if applicable)
Reset folder views
Apply settings to all folders

These steps help File Explorer redraw content properly.

How System Performance Affects Folder Reloading

Performance issues can delay refresh actions.

Common Performance Factors

High CPU usage
Low memory availability
Disk activity
Endpoint security scans

Ensuring adequate system resources improves File Explorer responsiveness.

Security Considerations When File Explorer Behaves Unexpectedly

From a cybersecurity perspective, abnormal File Explorer behavior can be a warning sign.

Potential Security Risks

Hidden malicious files
Tampered system processes
Unauthorized access attempts

Reloading folders correctly helps ensure file visibility during security checks.

File Explorer, Endpoint Security, and Visibility

Endpoint protection tools may delay file display during scans.

What to Do

Allow scans to complete
Exclude trusted directories (carefully)
Monitor for repeated delays

Visibility is critical for incident response and system audits.

Advanced Troubleshooting: File System Integrity Check

If reload issues persist, check file system health.

Run Disk Check

Open Command Prompt as admin
Run:

Corrupted file systems can cause refresh failures.

Keep Windows 11 Updated

Outdated systems often cause Explorer bugs.

Best Practice

Install Windows updates regularly
Update device drivers
Patch File Explorer-related fixes

Updates often resolve refresh and UI issues.

How IT Teams Can Prevent File Explorer Issues at Scale

For IT managers, prevention matters.

Best Practices

Standardize system configurations
Monitor endpoint performance
Enforce patch management
Use modern endpoint security tools

Proactive management reduces user complaints.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11, avoid these pitfalls:

Restarting the entire system unnecessarily
Ignoring persistent refresh issues
Disabling security tools blindly
Using untrusted “Explorer fix” utilities

Simple fixes are usually safer and more effective.

Actionable Checklist: Reloading Folders Safely

✔ Press F5 or right-click Refresh
✔ Restart File Explorer via Task Manager
✔ Check OneDrive or network sync
✔ Clear File Explorer cache
✔ Monitor performance and security alerts

This checklist solves most issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11 quickly?

Press F5 or right-click and select Refresh.

2. Why doesn’t File Explorer refresh automatically?

Caching, sync delays, or Explorer process issues are common causes.

3. Is restarting File Explorer safe?

Yes. It does not affect files or running applications.

4. Can security software delay folder refresh?

Yes. Active scans may temporarily delay file visibility.

5. Should I reinstall Windows to fix refresh issues?

No. Reinstallation is rarely necessary for Explorer problems.

Final Thoughts: Keep File Explorer Reliable and Secure

Knowing how to reload folders in File Explorer Windows 11 helps users and IT teams maintain productivity, accuracy, and visibility. While refresh issues are usually minor, persistent problems can signal performance or security concerns that shouldn’t be ignored.

A stable File Explorer experience depends on proper system health, regular updates, and strong endpoint security.

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