How to Fix File Explorer Not Showing Thumbnails in Windows 11

If you are experiencing the issue of File Explorer not showing thumbnails in Windows 11, you are not alone. Many users face this problem, where instead of displaying image previews or video thumbnails, File Explorer only shows generic icons.

This can be frustrating, especially when managing multiple media files. Fortunately, there are several solutions to restore the thumbnails. This guide will walk you through each step to help you fix this issue.

Why File Explorer is Not Showing Thumbnails

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why this issue may occur. Common reasons include:

• Incorrect Folder View settings.
• Corrupted or missing cache files.
• Disabled thumbnail previews in performance settings.
• Outdated or malfunctioning graphics drivers.

How to Fix the Thumbnail Issue in File Explorer

1. Enable Thumbnails in Folder Options

One of the most common reasons for missing thumbnails is that the feature is disabled in Folder Options. Here’s how to check and enable it:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on the View tab and select Options (or three dots > Options in Windows 11).
3. In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.
4. Uncheck Always show icons, never thumbnails.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

2. Clear the Thumbnail Cache

The thumbnail cache can become corrupted, leading to issues with previews. Clearing the cache can resolve this problem:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
3. Choose the C: drive and click OK.
4. Check Thumbnails and click OK.
5. Restart your computer and check if the thumbnails are showing.

3. Adjust Performance Settings

Windows has performance settings that may disable thumbnails to improve performance. To enable them:

1. Right-click on This PC and select Properties.
2. Click Advanced system settings.
3. In the Performance section, click Settings.
4. Under the Visual Effects tab, select Custom.
5. Ensure that Show thumbnails instead of icons is checked.
6. Click Apply, then OK.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can cause display issues, including missing thumbnails:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

5. Use File Explorer Options to Reset Defaults

If none of the above solutions work, try resetting File Explorer options to default:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to Options (or three dots > Options).
3. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
4. Click Restore Defaults and Apply.

6. Perform a System File Check

Corrupted system files can sometimes cause issues with thumbnail previews. Running a System File Check can fix this:

1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

Additional Tips to Consider

• Disable Tablet Mode: Ensure that your PC is not in tablet mode, as this can affect how thumbnails are displayed.
• Use Third-Party Software: Tools like CCleaner can help you clean the thumbnail cache and other temporary files.
• Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, updates can cause or fix issues with thumbnail previews. Ensure your system is up-to-date.

Conclusion

Thumbnails are a helpful feature in Windows 11, making it easier to manage your files. If File Explorer is not showing thumbnails, try the above solutions to resolve the issue. From enabling thumbnails in Folder Options to updating drivers and clearing the cache, these methods should help you restore the previews quickly.

By following this guide, you can efficiently fix File Explorer not showing thumbnails in Windows 11 and enhance your user experience. If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with others facing the same issue.

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