How to Fix Thumbnail Previews Not Showing in Windows 10

If thumbnail previews are not showing in Windows 10, it can be a significant inconvenience, especially when trying to quickly locate and view files. This issue can occur due to various reasons, such as incorrect system settings, corrupted cache, or file explorer issues. Fortunately, there are several methods to restore thumbnail previews and enhance your file browsing experience. This guide will walk you through the steps to fix thumbnail previews not showing in Windows 10.

1. Check File Explorer Settings

File Explorer settings might be configured to not show thumbnails.

• Open File Explorer Options:

  • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  • Click on the “View” tab at the top and select “Options” on the far right.

• Modify Folder Options:

  • In the Folder Options window, go to the “View” tab.
  • Ensure that “Always show icons, never thumbnails” is unchecked.
  • Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save changes.

2. Clear Thumbnail Cache

A corrupted thumbnail cache can prevent previews from displaying.

• Open Disk Cleanup:

  • Press Windows + S, type “Disk Cleanup,” and select it from the search results.

• Select the Drive:

  • Choose the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:) and click “OK.”

• Clean Up System Files:

  • Click “Clean up system files” and select the drive again if prompted.

• Clear Thumbnail Cache:

  • In the Disk Cleanup window, check “Thumbnails” and uncheck other options if needed.
  • Click “OK” and then “Delete Files” to clear the thumbnail cache.

3. Check Display Settings

Display settings might affect the visibility of thumbnails.

• Adjust Display Scaling:

  • Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.”
  • Under “Scale and layout,” ensure that the scaling is set to 100% (Recommended) or adjust to a recommended level for your display.

• Change Resolution:

  • In the Display settings, check if the screen resolution is set to the recommended level for your monitor.

4. Rebuild Thumbnail Cache Using Command Prompt

Manually rebuilding the thumbnail cache can resolve issues with thumbnails not displaying.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Press Windows + S, type “Command Prompt,” right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator.”

• Run Commands:

  • In the Command Prompt window, enter the following commands one at a time and press Enter after each:

    taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
    del /a /q "%localappdata%\IconCache.db"
    del /a /q "%localappdata%\ThumbnailCache"
    start explorer.exe
    

  • These commands will terminate File Explorer, delete the thumbnail cache files, and restart File Explorer.

5. Reset File Associations

Incorrect file associations can sometimes prevent thumbnails from displaying.

• Open Default Apps Settings:

  • Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default apps.”

• Reset to Microsoft Recommended Defaults:

  • Scroll down and click “Reset” under “Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults.”

6. Perform a System File Check

System file corruption can impact thumbnail previews.

• Run System File Checker (SFC):
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for “Command Prompt,” right-click it, and select “Run as administrator”).
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow
    

  • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted system files.

7. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can affect thumbnail display.

• Update Drivers via Device Manager:

  • Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  • Expand “Display adapters,” right-click on your graphics card, and select “Update driver.”
  • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts to install any updates.

• Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website:

  • Visit the graphics card manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD) to download and install the latest drivers for your specific model.

8. Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates can address bugs and improve system functionality.

• Open Windows Update Settings:

  • Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.”

• Check for Updates:

  • Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

9. Scan for Malware

Malware can cause various system issues, including problems with thumbnail previews.

• Run a Full System Scan:
  • Open your antivirus software and perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses.

Conclusion

If thumbnail previews are not showing in Windows 10, several methods can help resolve the issue. By checking and adjusting File Explorer settings, clearing and rebuilding the thumbnail cache, and ensuring your system is up-to-date and free of malware, you can restore functionality to your file previews. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem, enhancing your file browsing experience and improving system performance.