Refreshing repository according to file changes and remote changes on SourceTree

Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the Data Center platform.

Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.

*Except Fisheye and Crucible

Summary

This article should help users to enable the option to refresh repositories according to file changes and remote changes on Sourcetree.

Solution

There are two ways of setting the option - either globally or on a per-repository basis.

Enabling the option to refresh repositories on Sourcetree globally

  1. Locate the Sourcetree General Preference window

    • For Windows, the general configuration is located in Tools > Options > General.

    • For Mac, the general configuration is located in Preferences > General.

  2. Check the option to refresh automatically when files change.

Enabling the option to refresh repositories on Sourcetree globally

  1. Click on the "Settings" button on the toolbar to open the Repository Settings window.

  2. On the Advanced tab of the Repository Setting window, check the checkboxes next to the option to Automatically refresh and Refresh remote status in background.

    NOTE: For this option to work, you will need to enable the option to refresh repositories on the Sourcetree General Preference page.

Updated on April 8, 2025

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