When you right-click on your Windows desktop, you should see a context menu option to refresh the screen. However, some users have complained that the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working.

While this refresh is not a data refresh, it will update the display, which is handy if you have made slight changes to the desktop or its icons. This guide will explain how to fix the problem and provide easy solutions.

Why is the Windows 11 Desktop Refresh Option Not Working?

When your Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working, there are two leading possibilities.

A Visual Glitch

• Certain updates, like the KB5031455 October 2023 preview update, may work well but do not have the visual cue of icons shaking.
• Icon elements may be refreshed behind the display so they appear unchanged.

Missing Refresh Option

• This may be a sign of file corruption.
• Sometimes, it may also be triggered by malware that alters specific operating system behavior.

You may try the solutions below.

How do I Fix a missing refresh Option for the Windows 11 Desktop?

1. Restart the Computer

Restarting your computer is a valid starting point. There are minor bugs or glitches that a reboot will fix. This is because it will force problematic processes, triggering the problem to shut down.

So restart your computer, and if the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is still not working, you may try other solutions.

2. Run the DISM and SFC Scans

File corruption is a common cause of many refresh options’ missing or nonfunctional context. You should run the DISM and SFC scans to fix corruption in system files as well as the installation.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

3. Type the command below, hitting Enter after each one to run the DISM scan.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Run the command below and restart the computer when it completes.

sfc /scannow

3. Update the Operating System

It is a best practice to always run on the latest Windows updates. When the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working, an update may fix it. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click Windows Update on the bottom left pane, then click Check for Updates on the right.

3. Download and install any updates, then restart your computer.

4. Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is in charge of managing many graphical components. When you press the context menu refresh option, there is a chance that it is not being graphically displayed while it has been refreshed. Restarting Windows Explorer may fix this glitch.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

2. Click the Windows Explorer process and click Restart. You may have to pause Task Manager updates to find this process.

5. Scan for Malware

You should not rule out the possibility of malware infection when the Windows 11 desktop refresh option is not working. This is because viruses are known to alter the proper functioning of computers.

You may run a complete malware scan using the built-in Windows Security or any other robust antivirus program.

6. Update Registry Control Key Configuration

If none of the solutions we have explored above work, you may update certain registry keys. This will ensure that the refresh option is not turned off.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the path below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update

4. Double-click Default on the right pane, change the value data to 0, and click OK.

5. Restart the computer and confirm that the non-functional refresh option works.

Fixing a Non-functional Desktop Refresh

With the solutions we have explored in this guide, you should have resolved the issue of the Windows 11 desktop refresh option not working.

Please share what you found most effective in the comment section below. We would also love to hear your additional questions.

The post Windows 11 Desktop Refresh Option Not Working: Best Fixes appeared first on Next of Windows.

You must have encountered the Windows Search Indexer if you use a Windows computer. The most common use case is performing a Windows search from the Start menu or Windows Explorer.

A few people also encounter it because of a certain Windows Search Indexer’s high CPU usage. In this guide, we talk about this service, helping you understand all it is and its function on your computer.

What is the Windows Search Indexer?

Windows Search Indexer is a background process on a Windows device that enables you to quickly locate files and other content.

It performs its task by creating a database that comprises your system’s file instructions. This information often includes:

• File names
• File contents (for some file types)
• Metadata (e.g., date created, file type)
• Location

The services in the C:\Windows\System32 path as searchindexer.exe.

Advantages of Using Search Indexer

• Faster searches: Once your index is built, you will have significantly reduced times when searching for any content, including files and emails.
• More accurate results: Windows Search Index ensures you find relevant files even when you don’t recollect the exact file name or location.
• Supports various file types: You are not limited in the file types it can locate. So, from documents and emails to photos and music, the list is endless.

Drawbacks of the Search Indexer

• Resource usage: Because building and maintaining the index is resource-intensive, you may experience a performance drop, especially on older or low-powered machines.
• Privacy concerns: The index will store some of your information, which may concern some users.

How to Manage the Search Index

You may achieve a lot of configuration and customization with the Windows Search Index. Here are a few:

How to Access Indexing Options

There are three ways to access the Indexing Options on Windows 11.

1. From the Start menu

Click the magnifying lens of the Start menu, type index, and click Indexing Options.

2. From the Control Panel

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

2. Set View by to Large icons and click Indexing Options.

3. From the Settings App

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. On the left pane, click Privacy & security, then click Searching Windows.

3. Scroll down and click Advanced Indexing options.

How to Add and Remove Locations to be Indexed

The Windows Search Indexer is the backbone of a Windows computer’s search functionality. You may add locations, exclude specific content, and use other advanced features.

1. Launch Indexing options using any of the methods we shared above,

2. Click the Modify button.

3. To include a location, tick it in the Change selected locations section or uncheck it to exclude it.

How to Disable or Enable Windows Search Index

If you believe Windows Indexing is using up so many system resources, you may opt to disable it. You should, however, note that when disabled, you will lose all its advantages and will experience slow and inaccurate searches.

Disable Windows Search Indexer

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Double-click Windows Search, Set Startup type to Manual, click Stop, then Apply and OK.

Enable Windows Search Indexer

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Double-click Windows Search, Set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then Apply and OK.

Fast Searches on WIndows11

You must enable the Windows Search Indexer utility to access faster and more efficient searches on Windows 11. You will find it a general way to improve the user experience on Windows devices.

Have you used Search indexer? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

FAQ

The post Complete Guide to Windows Search Indexer appeared first on Next of Windows.

Keyboards are an essential part of every device. From gaming and sending messages to writing articles and guides, their importance can not be overstated. However, some Bluetooth keyboard users have complained it is not working in Windows 11.

This keyboard issue may be caused by interference or connectivity issues. The solutions below should be your best bet.

Basic Checks

Before going into detailed fixes, let us explore some basic checks.

Check Battery Life:

It will not function properly if the keyboard still has dead or low batteries. These must be replaced.

Power Switch Check:

If you do not see the Bluetooth keyboard on your computer, the keyboard may not be turned on. Check for a power switch and turn it on.

Fix Range/Interference Issues:

Interference is a huge factor when the Bluetooth keyboard is not working in Windows 11. If there are several Bluetooth signals around, you may have a problem. You should also ensure the device is within range.

1. Enable Bluetooth

If you use a Bluetooth keyboard, ensure your Bluetooth is turned on. The absence of this implies the computer will be unable to detect devices.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings.

2. On the left pane, click Bluetooth & devices, then on the right, toggle on the Bluetooth switch.

2. Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows comes with several tools for troubleshooting. The Bluetooth troubleshooter is one of them. This tool will scan for Bluetooth problems and fix them or recommend fixes.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click System on the right pane, then click Troubleshoot on the left.

3. Click Other troubleshooters.

4. Click the Run button in front of Bluetooth and follow the wizard to complete the process.

3. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter and Keyboard

If running the Bluetooth troubleshooter does not fix the problem, you should consider the hardware troubleshooter. This tool will scan all hardware components, fix issues, or recommend solutions.

1. Press Windows + R to launch your Run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter to open the hardware troubleshooter.

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

4. Click the Next button and follow the wizard to complete the process.

You may run the keyboard troubleshooter if the Bluetooth keyboard is still not working on Windows 11. To launch it, open the command prompt and run the command below, then click Next and follow the wizard.

msdt.exe -id KeyboardDevice

4. Reinstall Bluetooth Drivers

Drivers are essential for communication between hardware and the OS. When they are corrupted, you will need to reinstall them. You should reinstall the Bluetooth and Keyboard drivers. You may also explore updating the drivers.

1. Right-click the Start menu on your Taskbar and select Device Manager.

2. Expand the Bluetooth category, right-click on the driver, and select Uninstall device.

3. Confirm your choice.

4. Restart the computer.

You should perform the same steps for the keyboard drivers as well.

5. Restart Bluetooth Services

Restarting Bluetooth services on Windows 11 allows the computer to fix temporary Bluetooth bugs and glitches and resolve leaks and conflicts between Bluetooth devices. Follow the steps below.

1. Press the magnifying lens on the Start menu, type services, and click the Services app.

2. Click the Bluetooth Support Service, set the Startup type to the Manual, click the Start button, then click Apply and OK.

3. make sure other Bluetooth services are running, then restart your computer.

6. Add the Bluetooth Keyboard

Adding the Bluetooth keyboard to your computer will be a great fix when it is not working on Windows 11 because the device is missing. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings.

2. On the left pane, click Bluetooth & devices, then on the right, click the Add device button.

3. Click Bluetooth.

4. Click on your mouse and follow the wizard to complete the process.

All Bluetooth Keyboard Problems Fixed

This will be all we share in this guide. Now, you should have resolved all your issues about the Bluetooth keyboard not working in Windows 11. If you have additional questions, leave them in the comment section below.

The post Windows 11 Bluetooth Keyboard Not Working: Top Fixes appeared first on Next of Windows.