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Question

Explorer doesn't refresh icons

  • May 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 55 views

When Box is running, Windows 11 Explorer doesn't refresh icons. I have to constantly press F5 to refresh the desktop and folders. Do you have a solution for this problem? When I shut Box down, the problem disappears.

      1 reply

      Rona Box
      • Rona Box
      • Community Manager
      • May 12, 2026

      Hi ​@Grek, 

      Welcome to Box Community, and we’re glad to assist! 

       

      Since the issue stops when Box is closed, it could possibly mean that the Box Explorer integration interfering with Windows Explorer’s refresh/overlay handling.

       

      To resolve this, please follow these troubleshooting steps: ​​​​​​

      1. Update Box Drive
      2. Check for icon-overlay conflicts — Windows only shows the first ~11 icon overlay handlers. If other cloud apps are installed they can block Box overlays. Box docs recommend uninstalling other cloud desktop apps so Box can register its overlays. You can view installed overlays under -  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ShellIconOverlayIdentifiers 
      3. Reset Box Drive
      4. Restart Windows Explorer 

       

      Hope it helps! Let us know in the Community if you need additional assistance. 
       

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