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2

I just batch edited some pictures with Preview and changed the name of one file in the Preview window. Minutes later, Finder still didn't show the changed file sizes (not even when opening the Info dialog) and changed names. Switching from list view to icon view or so didn't fix it.
I restarted Finder and then the names changed.

How come, is there an update or refresh command? Thought it'd be in the View menu but it isn't.

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There isn't an update command because users shouldn't be worrying about that kind of thing, it should "just work". And until recently this has been the case, though it seems like in ML there are some issues with this automagic updating. – kLy Aug 9 '12 at 9:04
TMK, finder refresh failures have been around since 10.6. I got one personal report. I experienced it myself in 10.7 a couple times, and now this in 10.8. Seems like they just solved some bugs in AddressBook from 10.5, so maybe 10.9 will solve this? But usually a finder relaunch (force-quit menu) and/or using the <Back/Forward> buttons in the finder window works. – NOTjust -- user4304 Apr 23 at 17:37

3 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

The Finder's information should be refreshing automatically and instantly as files and information is changing that is the goal and why Apple does not provide a "Refresh" option, although in practice things sometime don't work for whatever reason.

If the information is not automatically updating changes to files etc, it may be the result of a bug or Finder preferences corruption, or other corruption.

  1. Make sure you are running the latest version of OS X, as the issue may be a bug that has been fixed already.

  2. Additionally for folders where the contents are not updating properly it might be a good idea to try and remove the .DS_Store file for that directory, and see if that has an effect. (restarting the finder to verify)

  3. The next option would be to reset the Finder's preferences. Try removing the the file named com.apple.finder.plist located at ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist (restarting the finder to verify)

  4. If the problem is consistently occurring contact Apple and show them the issue and how to repeat it, you may have found a bug.

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up vote 0 down vote

Alt click and select "Get info." This will refresh the folder. I have this problem with ftp folders mounted as a drive via Transmit.

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Unfortunately this will not refresh the contents of the files mounted via Transmit. They will still be cached and I haven't found out how to refresh them. – kslays May 13 at 18:24
up vote -1 down vote

Try relaunching Finder. The problem might be deeper than just "Finder not refreshing"

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This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. – Mark Apr 23 at 16:59
Edit your answer so it's a statement, then kindly include some directions for a better reception in the community (because it would be more useful that way). – NOTjust -- user4304 Apr 23 at 17:41

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