Windows 7 Deleting/Renaming file in Explorer - file is still visible

[d8000]

If I rename a file or delete a file in explorer, after the confirmation dialog is completed (and I've clicked OK to delete the file for example), the file is still there. It's been renamed or deleted, but the old name is there or the file is still there. I have to click refresh or hit F5 in order to get explorer to recognize what it has just done.

I can understand it needs a refresh if someone or something else has changed it, because it doesn't necessarily know about it. But I'm doing the renaming/deleting actually in explorer. It's doing it itself. Yet still it doesn't refresh the file list. It's bizarre.

Sure I've seen this in XP before, but only rarely. On my Win 7 it's happening all the time.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're experiencing a common issue where File Explorer in Windows doesn't update file changes immediately, even when you perform actions like renaming or deleting files. This delay in updating the file list in File Explorer can occur due to various reasons, such as system performance, caching mechanisms, or synchronization delays. Here are some possible explanations for this behavior:

Possible Reasons for Delay in File Explorer Refresh:​

1. Caching Mechanisms: Windows uses caching mechanisms to improve performance by accessing files quickly. Sometimes, these caches might cause delays in reflecting file changes immediately in File Explorer.
2. File Locking: If a file you are trying to modify is currently locked by another application or process, Windows may delay updating the file list until the lock is released.
3. Notification Delays: File Explorer may not receive immediate notifications about file changes, especially in busy or resource-intensive systems, leading to delayed updates.
4. System Performance: Slow system performance or resource constraints can also contribute to delays in updating the file list.

   Solutions to Force File Explorer Refresh:​

5. Manually Refresh: As you mentioned, pressing F5 or right-clicking and selecting "Refresh" can force File Explorer to update the file list.
6. Automate Refresh: You can automate the refresh process using third-party tools or scripts that periodically refresh File Explorer.
7. Disable Thumbnails: Disabling thumbnail previews in File Explorer may improve the refresh speed as it reduces the load on the system.
8. Clear Cache: Clearing the File Explorer cache or temporary files might help in refreshing the file list faster.

   Updating to a Newer Windows Version:​

   If you are still facing this issue on Windows 7, consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows like Windows 10 or Windows 11. Newer versions often come with improvements to performance and file handling, which may resolve the delay in file list updates. If you continue to experience this issue after trying these solutions, feel free to provide more details so we can assist you further.