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"Refresh" can mean two things: reloading a web page or the operating system (OS). Reloading updates the current view, while refreshing the OS re-installs the operating system, keeping your files and personal apps to restore performance and fix errors.

Refreshing a window or webpage

What it does: Updates the content of a window to show the latest version of the data, such as a web page or the desktop.

How to do it: Press the F5 key or Ctrl + R (Windows). Click the refresh icon, usually a circular arrow, near the address bar in a web browser.

Use case: Solves issues where a page is stuck loading or displays outdated information.

Refreshing the operating system

What it does: Reinstalls the operating system while keeping your personal files, settings, and apps you installed from the Windows Store. It removes system apps you didn't get from the store and other programs, and then attempts to fix performance and stability issues.

How to do it: Access the "Refresh your PC" option in your computer's settings, often found within the recovery or update options.

Use case: To fix problems like errors, slow performance, or instability without losing your personal data and apps. It is a less drastic option than a full reset, which erases all personal files.