This problem can affect all operating systems, and many reported that folder thumbnails are not showing in Windows 11. Today, we’re going to show you how to fix this issue permanently on your PC.

Why are my thumbnails not showing the pictures?

There are various reasons for the Windows 10 thumbnails not showing the issue. Below are some of the well-known causes:

Wrong File Explorer Options settings – If File Explorer isn’t properly configured, you won’t be able to view thumbnails at all. Adjusting its settings usually solves the problem. Glitches with File Explorer – Issues with File Explorer can cause this problem. Updating your operating system might be required in such cases. Broken or corrupt system files – If your system files get corrupted, certain components of your operating system won’t work properly. In such cases, system repair might be required. Issues with the folder – Sometimes folder settings or other issues prevent the thumbnails from appearing properly. OneDrive – This issue may also be caused by OneDrive if it is full. Uninstalling OneDrive fixed the problem for some of our readers so you should try it out as well.

What can I do if Windows 10 thumbnails are not showing?

Before you try to fix this problem, there are a couple of quick solutions and workarounds that you should try:

Close Task Manager – This is a simple workaround, but it seems that it works according to users, so feel free to try it. Use the UNC path – If you’re using a network drive, try using IP_addresssharename to access the directory. Use the right preview option from the context menu – This workaround applies only if you’re using ACDSee. Simply right-click the image and pick one of the two preview options. Free up space – Having low storage space can cause issues with thumbnails. Free up some space and check if that helps. Remove problematic apps – Audio and video recording software can often cause these types of problems. In some cases, even Java can cause this issue. Remove these apps manually or by using uninstaller software to fix the problem. Install codecs – Missing codecs can cause this issue. Install Shark codecs or other codec packs, such as K-Lite to resolve this issue. Check for missing DLLs – Missing DLLs, such as IconCodecService.dll can cause problems with your thumbnails. Use third-party thumbnail generator – Sometimes using third-party software can help with this issue, and many reported success with Icaros or WinThumbsPreloader software.

1. Check File Explorer Options

3. Restore File Explorer Options to default

This solution can also help speed up a slow File Explorer, so be sure to try it. It also helps you find and delete junk files that occupy valuable space in your system. In addition, Restoro tries to fix or delete files from Windows Registry to remove any kind of error or crash. Moreover, it has a feature that repairs virus damage to your system files from its massive repository containing over 25 million Windows files. After the troubleshooter fixes the problem, feel free to repeat Solution 1 and check if your thumbnails appear.

4. Run SFC scan

5. Use Disk Cleanup to remove your thumbnails

If you’re an advanced user, you can remove the thumbnail cache by using Command Prompt as shown below: SPONSORED

6. Restore default settings for the problematic folder

7. Check advanced system settings

8. Use Group Policy Editor

There’s also another method you can use to fix the missing thumbnails. To do that, follow these simple steps: Once you change these settings, check if thumbnail previews not showing in Windows 10 issue is still there.

9. Scan your system for spyware

To perform a detailed scan, we will recommend using dedicated antivirus software in ESET NOD32. This tool uses cutting-edge technology and advanced machine learning to detect and remove the most stubborn malware on your PC. It also provides online security, giving you a rare safety assurance in your digital life. It just might be all you need to forget all spyware-related issues.

10. Set a different default application for affected files

After making these changes, check if the problem is resolved.

11. Modify your registry

After making these changes, the problem with thumbnail previews not showing in Windows 10 should be gone.

12. Prevent Windows from deleting your thumbnail cache

Thumbnails are pretty helpful, and many users prefer using them over icons. If, for some reason, thumbnail previews aren’t showing this guide should help you restore thumbnails in Windows 10. Feel free to let us know the solution that worked for you in the comments below.

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