Alex Ruben
How to Restore Thumbnails in File Explorer on Windows 10 and 11
If you’re facing issues with File Explorer displaying images and videos as icons instead of thumbnails on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you’re not alone. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to resolve the problem, allowing you to restore the visual previews of your files quickly. By following these steps, you will enhance your user experience when navigating through your files, making it easier to identify content without having to open each file.
Before you begin, ensure that you have the latest Windows updates installed, as these can sometimes resolve display issues in File Explorer. Make sure you also have permission to modify settings in File Explorer, as administrative rights may be required for some steps.
Step 1: Open Your File Explorer
First, launch File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in your taskbar or by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard. Navigate to the folder where you are experiencing the thumbnail issue. Check if your files are currently displayed as icons instead of thumbnails.
Step 2: Adjust the Icon Size
In the top navigation menu, click on View. From the dropdown options, select one of the icon sizes: Extra-large icons, Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons. Choosing any of these options should refresh the view and display the thumbnails for your files. This basic adjustment often resolves the issue.
Step 3: Access Folder Options
If adjusting the icon size did not work, you will need to delve deeper into the settings. Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner of File Explorer to access more options, then select Options. This will open the Folder Options window.
Step 4: Modify View Settings
In the Folder Options window, click on the View tab. At the top of this tab, look for the option labeled Always show icons, never thumbnails. Ensure this option is unchecked. This setting prevents thumbnails from displaying, and by deselecting it, you allow thumbnails to appear. After making this change, click Apply and then OK to save your settings.
Step 5: Verify Thumbnail Cache Settings
If you’re still not seeing thumbnails, the issue might be related to your thumbnail cache. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R, then type cleanmgr and hit Enter. Choose your system drive (usually C:), and in the Disk Cleanup window, ensure that the option for Thumbnails is selected. Click OK to clear the thumbnail cache. This can resolve display issues by refreshing the stored images.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Sometimes, displaying thumbnails can be affected by system settings or conflicts with third-party software. Here are a few additional tips to ensure smoother operation:
- Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can cause display issues.
- Check for any third-party applications that might interfere with File Explorer’s functionality.
- If the problem persists, consider performing a system restore to revert your system to a previous state where thumbnail previews were functioning correctly.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to restore thumbnail previews in File Explorer on Windows 10 and 11. A functional thumbnail view enhances your file management experience by allowing for quicker identification of files. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking help from Microsoft’s support forums or checking for system updates to ensure your OS is functioning optimally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my thumbnails still not showing after following the steps?
Double-check the folder options to ensure the setting for showing thumbnails is properly unchecked. If the problem persists, clearing the thumbnail cache might be necessary.
Can third-party software affect thumbnail display?
Yes, some third-party applications, especially those that alter file management features, can interfere with thumbnail visibility. It’s advisable to disable or uninstall such software to see if it resolves the issue.
Is there a quick way to reset my File Explorer settings?
While there is no direct ‘reset’ option for File Explorer, a system restore to a previous point can effectively reset any problematic settings.