The most common way to refresh the Windows desktop or a file folder is:
Refreshing your computer screen closes and reopens all open applications and windows, essentially giving your computer a mini-restart. This can resolve issues such as:
If you’ve mapped F5 to a custom shortcut, you can use it. By default, Mac function keys control system features (brightness, volume). To make F5 refresh, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys, but honestly ⌘ + R is easier.
If your screen is glitching, entirely black, or completely frozen, a simple desktop refresh won't cut it. You can force Windows to restart your graphics driver instantly—without closing your apps or losing your progress.
Right-click your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and select .
When your screen stutters, lags, or shows artifacts, the display driver is "overheating" in a software sense. Here is the secret hotkey most users don't know:
| Action | Hotkey | |--------|--------| | | Command (⌘) + R | | Hard Refresh (browsers – cache cleared) | Command + Shift + R |
Many web developers and modern users prefer Ctrl + R because the keys are clustered together on the keyboard's left side.
The active window reloads its contents from scratch.