While F5 is great for making icons stop ghosting you, If your computer is actually slow, pressing F5 a hundred times is just an anxiety tic. In that case, use Alt + F4 on the desktop to open the Shut Down menu and give your PC a real reboot.
If you are a mouse user, you are likely right-clicking the desktop and selecting "Refresh" like it’s a ritual. But here is the secret: how to refresh windows with keyboard
Now, go forth. Keep your hands on the home row. And never right-click "Refresh" again. While F5 is great for making icons stop