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Refresh the Desktop without Restarting Windows

Intended For
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows Me
Windows 98
Windows 95
The results of some of the procedures explained here will not take effect until you either restart Windows, or refresh the desktop. These include any changes to the Registry or any system folders. However, restarting Windows can take several minutes, and (for example) if you're using Dial-up Netorking, you will be forced to disconnect. To refresh the desktop without restarting Windows, follow these directions:


Solution #1:

  • Click on any open area of your Desktop or any icon on your desktop with the left mouse button.
  • Press F5 to refresh the desktop.


Solution #2:

  • In such cases where Solution #1 is not sufficient to implement your changes, you can still refresh Explorer without restarting.
  • Press Ctrl-Alt-Del, and select Explorer from the list (don't select "Exploring... " though). Don't worry; this shouldn't affect your other running applications.
  • Click End Task. When the window asking if you wish to shut down Windows appears, click No.
  • Wait about ten to fifteen seconds, until another window appears confirming that you wish to close Explorer - click End Task here.
  • The Task Bar and all Desktop icons will disappear temporarily, and then will reappear when Explorer is reloaded.


Solution #3:

  • If you have any network components installed, you can select Shut Down from the Start Menu, and then choose Close all programs and log on as a different user.

  • Note: If you have the Resource Meter running, make sure to close it before using Solution #2..

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Written by: Annoyances.org
Last updated: Thursday, August 9, 2001

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