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file explorer thumbnails missing

I have asked for help before in this forum and a few responses have temporarily fixed the problem. I would really like a permanent fix. I have tried several of the fixes such as... Uncheck the box next to Always show icons, never thumbnails.

and... File Explorer can also bug out for no reason and stop functioning correctly. The quickest way to fix that is to restart it using the Task Manager.

and... If the thumbnails are still not showing, the chances are you’re dealing with a corrupt thumbnail cache. Deleting it helps File Explorer regenerate previews from scratch.

and... How to Clear the Thumbnail Cache With a Batch File

I would greatly appreciate any other suggestions. would resetting my PC possibly work?

thank you for any help that you can offer.

this is what I see when the problem is there...

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Try a system file check and repair

Using System File Checker in Windows

If that doesn't work, do not reset!

Instead try an in-place repair by downloading the official ISO (3rd option on the page), mount in Explorer and run setup.exe, then check for updates to get current because the ISO is a bit old.

Don't worry, you won't lose apps or personal files as long as you choose 'Keep everything'.

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Hi,

My name is Cindy. I am sorry you are having this problem. I know it is really frustrating. I will do my best to help you solve this problem.

Please note: This is a user-to-user community forum. We are users just like you who help others. We are not employees of Microsoft.

There are several things that can be tried to fix this problem. I have enclosed the options below.

Please open the file explorer.
Click on the three dots menu bar.
Select options.
Then click on restore defaults.
Click on Apply
Ok

Check to see if this fixes the problem.

____

Please open the file explorer.
Click on the three dots menu bar.
Click on view.
Click on the top box Always show icons and never thumbnails.
Click on Apply
OK

____

Some default photo apps may not work as well with Windows. Changing the default app may fix this problem.

Please open the file explorer.
Click on the three dots menu bar.
Click on view.
Click on Reset Folders.
Click on Apply
OK

____

Clearing the thumbnail cache may also fix this problem.

Please type disk clean-up in the search on the taskbar and open the page.
A box will open.
Click on the Thumbnails.
Then click on Clean up system files.
Then select OK.

Please let me know if you continue to have a problem or questions.

Best Wishes,
Cindy

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thank you but these steps did not help

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thank you but 'system file checker' did not work and I am hesitant to try the next one (ISO) because I'm not sure where to find product key and I don't have USB or dvd player.

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I still need help please.

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I am sorry the above steps did not work.

Please open up file explorer.
Click on the three dots on the menu bar at the top of the file manager.
Then click on the restore defaults.
Then review the link I sent with my settings that are working.

Check to see if this has worked.
Cindy

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Here is a different view.
Cindy

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thank you again for the suggestions but it's still not working

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I am sorry this has not yet been fixed. I am out of ideas on how to fix this. I hope other users on this community platform will have more ideas on how to fix this. Please stay on and someone else should be with you shortly.

Best Wishes,

Cindy
Cindy

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Hi dre50,

It's a pleasure to help you with this,

If the previous fixes you have tried did not provide a permanent solution to the problem, there are a few other things you can try:

Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows operating system is up-to-date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for Updates". If there are any available updates, install them and restart your computer.

Check for driver updates: Ensure that all your device drivers are up-to-date. You can use a third-party driver update tool or check the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.

Use a third-party file manager: If the File Explorer continues to have issues displaying thumbnails, try using a third-party file manager, such as Total Commander, FreeCommander or XYplorer.

Disable third-party shell extensions: Some third-party shell extensions may interfere with the thumbnail preview feature in File Explorer. You can try disabling them using the ShellExView tool.

Use Disk Cleanup to clear thumbnail cache: You can use the Disk Cleanup tool to clear the thumbnail cache. Go to Start menu and type in "Disk Cleanup". Select the drive you want to clean up and check the box next to "Thumbnails". Click "OK" to clean up the cache.

If none of the above solutions work, resetting your PC may be a last resort. However, before doing so, ensure that you backup all your important files and data.

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Last updated February 15, 2024 Views 521 Applies to: