This folder is empty.

Question

But it isn't. Often seeing this on Windows 11 for LOCAL folders. F5 makes the LOCAL files/folders (no shortcuts etc.) visible again. Seeing this on different Windows 11 systems (work laptop, private).

Also (still) using Windows 10 but there that problem doesn't exist.

Only on Windows 11 and since the first days I'm using Windows 11 (1-2 yrs) ...

Anyone else out there experience that issue and knows how to avoid it?

Answer 1

That’s a Windows 11 bug with File Explorer, not something wrong with your folders. Explorer sometimes fails to refresh the view, so it looks empty until you hit F5. It doesn’t happen on Windows 10 because the Explorer interface was redesigned in Windows 11 and still has some glitches.

Keeping Windows fully updated helps, since Microsoft has been rolling out fixes in cumulative updates. You can also reduce how often it happens by turning off Quick Access and disabling “Show files from Office.com” in Explorer Options. If you set Explorer to open to “This PC” instead of Quick Access, it usually behaves better.

There isn’t a permanent fix yet, so the best you can do is apply updates and these settings until Microsoft issues a full patch.

Answer 2

Sorry, I can't help with this. Please make a new request or share your feedback.