The Universal Standard (Windows & Linux) The most well-known shortcut for refreshing a webpage or file explorer window is:
F5 Ctrl + R
1. Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) While F5 works on Windows and Linux, there are nuances depending on whether you want a standard refresh or a "hard" refresh. Windows & Linux | Action | Hotkey | What it does | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Standard Refresh | F5 or Ctrl + R | Reloads the page using cached data (images/scripts stored on your computer). | | Hard Refresh | Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R | Forces the browser to re-download everything from the server. This is used when a page isn't loading correctly or you need to see an update that isn't showing up. | macOS (Mac) Macs use the Command (⌘) key rather than F5. | Action | Hotkey | | :--- | :--- | | Standard Refresh | Command (⌘) + R | | Hard Refresh | Command (⌘) + Shift + R |
Mac Function Key Note: If you are using a Mac keyboard with a Touch Bar or standard function keys, you can sometimes press Fn + F5 to refresh, but Command + R is the standard convention.
2. Operating System Interfaces Windows (File Explorer / Desktop)
Hotkey: F5 Usage: If you are looking at a folder and move files around externally, pressing F5 will update the view to show the current files.
macOS (Finder)
Hotkey: There is no direct single hotkey to refresh a Finder window. Workaround: You typically have to navigate out of the folder and back in, or change the view type (Command + 1 or Command + 2). Desktop Refresh: While Windows users often refresh their desktop habitually, macOS handles this automatically. There is no command to "refresh" the Mac desktop background.
3. Common Applications Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
F9 : In most Office apps, F9 is the refresh/recalculate command.
Excel: Updates data from external sources or recalculates formulas. Word: Updates fields (like table of contents or page numbers). Outlook: F9 performs a "Send/Receive" to sync emails.
Visual Studio Code (Coding)