Repeated File Explorer updates can leave users confused about what is changing and why. This article explores the underlying reasons Windows regularly updates File Explorer. It also outlines effective ways to control update behavior and ensure File Explorer continues to function reliably without unnecessary interruptions.
Working with file management in the Windows File Explorer keeps refreshing, interrupting manual actions, rename files etc. The updates seem to be caused by desktop image slideshows, every time the image changes. Hope this helps!
- Question from Richard
When File Explorer keeps refreshing automatically, it can interrupt basic tasks such as renaming files, opening folders, or copying data. Many users report that folders suddenly reload, selections disappear, and the window flickers continuously. This will cause great inconvenience to users who are currently using File Explorer.
In this guide, we’ll walk through explain why does Windows keep updating File Explorer, and provide a complete set of proven solutions to stop the constant refreshing. If you have the same question, you can troubleshoot step by step without confusion.
If you’re also experiencing the same issue of File Explorer constantly refreshing, you’ve come to the right place. Before trying to find solutions, understanding the causes of this problem can help you fix it more accurately. The problem is triggered by the following factors:
Once the potential causes are clear, you can begin applying fixes. You can choose the appropriate method based on your actual situation. If the issue persists, move toward the next solution.
Sometimes, the File Explorer consistently updating is simply caused by a temporary system glitch. A full system restart clears temporary glitches, restarts Explorer-related services, and resolves many short-term conflicts. This is always the first step before deeper troubleshooting.
If restarting doesn’t help, booting into Safe Mode allows Windows to load only essential drivers and services. If File Explorer stops refreshing constantly in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by third-party software or background services.
Step 1. Press "Shift" and click "Restart" to enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 2. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart".
Step 3. Then, press F4 or F5 to enter Safe Mode.
Step 4. When your computer turns on, open File Explorer to check if the error is fixed.
High or unstable CPU usage can force Explorer to reload repeatedly. Open Task Manager and monitor CPU usage to identify abnormal processes that may be triggering File Explorer keeps refreshing on Windows 11/10.
Step 1. Press "Ctrl" + "Shift" + "Esc" to open Task Manager.
Step 2. Check for those programs which takes a large section of CPU and right click on the one you want to end.
Step 3. Select "End task" to close it. Once this process is completed, run File Explorer and check if it has returned to normal.
When there are driver anomalies or frequent file changes, Dynamic Accent Colors will continuously trigger Explorer UI redrawing, which in turn causes File Explorer to refresh repeatedly. Disabling this feature can stabilize the interface.
Step 1. Right click on the blank space on your desktop and select "Personalize" from the menu.
Step 2. Locate the "Colors" section, scroll down and uncheck the "Automatically pick an accent color from my background".
Step 3. Now you can select a color from the available options and close the window.
With the accent color set to static mode, File Explorer will no longer refresh the color. And your Windows will stop refreshing repeatedly too.
If your desktop wallpaper keeps refreshing at the same time as File Explorer, this may be caused by an excessively high wallpaper slideshow switching frequency or forced refreshes from a third-party wallpaper tool. Setting the wallpaper to a static image and increasing the switching interval may resolve this issue.
Step 1. Open "Personalize" like described above.
Step 2. Select "Background" section, open the drop menu and change "slideshow" as "Picture" or "slide color".
Step 3. If you want to keep the wallpaper slideshow, it’s best to lengthen the slideshow switching interval. Scroll down to the "Change picture every" option and select "1 hour" or a longer time period.
Corrupted cache data can cause File Explorer to refresh repeatedly. Clearing File Explorer history and cache helps reset its behavior and restore normal operation.
Step 1. Open "File Explorer Options" in Control Panel.
Step 2. Click "Clear" under the "Privacy" section to clear File Explorer cache.
System file corruption is a major contributor to Explorer instability. Running DISM and SFC scans helps repair damaged system components that may be forcing Explorer to restart. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Open Command Prompt and run it as administrator.
Step 2. Enter the following command "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press "Enter".
Step 3. Then, type "sfc / scannow" to fix corrupted system files.
Malware can hook into Explorer processes, causing constant refresh loops. A full system scan using Windows Security or a trusted antivirus tool is strongly recommended.
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Security" > "Virus & threat protection".
Step 2. Click "Quick scan" to scan your system. If any virus or malware detected, remove or quarantine it.
Step 3. If needed, you can perform a more comprehensive scan by clicking on "Full scan" after the quick scan is finished.
While managing File Explorer updates can reduce disruptions, protecting your data is equally important. If files become inaccessible after a File Explorer update, tools like MyRecover provide a reliable option to retrieve files from affected drives without overwriting existing data. It supports deep scans to find more file fragments and a wide range of file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, Refs, Ext4 and more, making it a reliable safety net during troubleshooting.
Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store or its official site, avoid installing it on the drive with lost files.
Step 2. Launch the app and select the drive where the lost files were stored to scan, then click "Scan".
Step 3. After the scan is completed, choose the files you wish to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover".
MyRecover Free offers up to 500MB of data recovery at no charge, perfect for small recoveries. If you're looking for unlimited recovery and real-time file previews, MyRecover Professional edition gives you everything you need to ensure your data is safe.
Step 4. Save the recovered files to a safe location.
Once the process is done, you'll see the message "Files have been recovered successfully". Then, you can access the recovered files by clicking on the "Browse" button.
When File Explorer keeps refreshing on Windows 11, the cause is usually tied to system corruption, conflicting software, or background processes rather than hardware failure. By methodically applying the solutions above, you can stop the constant refreshing and restore a stable File Explorer experience. To further reduce risk, using a professional recovery tool like MyRecover ensures your files remain protected, even if your Windows won't boot.