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My Picture files do not show the picture on the icon

My Picture files do not show the picture on the icon anymore, just a blank grey box.  Can you tell me how to get the photo preview back?  Many thanks
Hi Alison. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Open File explorer, click on View tab, then Options > Change Folder and Search Options > View tab. Uncheck the boxes to "Always show icons, never thumbnails" and "Show file icon on thumbnails." Apply and OK.

Also in File Explorer right click This PC, choose Properties, then Advanced System Settings. On Advanced tab choose Settings tab, then under Visual Effects check the box to Show Thumbnails instead of Icons, Apply and OK.

Restart PC, check again for thumbnails display.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
Windows MVP 2010-2020 (ret).
Millions helped via my tutorials and personally in forums for 14 years.
Please notify me in my articles' Comments if a tutorial link is outdated or ads intrude.

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In the folder containing the pictures, right click an empty spot, click View > Extra Large icons.

Or, if you are using a mouse, hold down Control on your keyboard, then use the scroll wheel to enlarge.
Best,
Andre
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com

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Hi Alison,

Open Windows File Explorer

Open a folder of Photos

On the View Ribbon (tab) choose small, medium, or large icons in the Layout Section

Then at the end of the View Ribbon (tab) click 'Options'

On that Dialog, click on the View Tab

Uncheck the box marked 'Always show icons, never show thumbnails'

At the top of that tab, click 'Apply to folders' and confirm

Then click Apply and OK



If you still do not see thumbnails, your cache may be corrupt:

Open Windows File Explorer

On the View Ribbon, check the box marked 'Hidden Items'

In the address bar, paste this text:

%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

Delete any file with thumbcache in its name

Close File Explorer and restart your PC
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Thanks for that.  I tried the first step but it didn't resolve the problem, so I did the next thing you suggested and when I tried to delete any file with thumbcache in its name it came up with

"File in Use.  The action can't be completed because the file is open in Window Explorer.  Close the file and try again".

I can't see these files open anywhere.  Would you know where I can look to find them?

Sorry this must sound silly but I really have no idea where to begin looking!

Many thanks

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Thanks for you advice, unfortunately this didn't work.

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Hi Greg,

Thank you for your advice.  Unfortunately it didn't resolve the problem.  The other thing I have noticed is that Microsoft Edge icon does not appear on the task bar below, just a grey square, however the icon was there previously.  I'm wondering if it is at all related?

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See if this helps:

How to Fix Broken or Missing Icons and Thumbnails in Windows 10
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/fix-broken-mis...
Best,
Andre
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com

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Hi again Alison -

Reset the Icon cache: https://www.howtogeek.com/232779/how-to-rebuild...

Right click the Edge taskbar button to Unpin, then go to Start Menu apps list to find Microsoft Edge, right click to Pin to Taskbar.

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

Update your drivers from the PC's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

If nothing else helps what I'd do at this point is wait a few days for Spring Creators Update to be released, install Media Creation Tool from this link and choose Upgrade This PC Now: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

This is the most stable way to change to the newer version and because it reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files and programs in place, fixes most problems. It also brings all Windows Updates to date.

If there are any hurdles during install then these steps can overcome them: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

You can monitor the Windows 10 Blog here to get notified of the exact date for release of Spring Creators Version 1803 which is soon: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/#ut...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
Windows MVP 2010-2020 (ret).
Millions helped via my tutorials and personally in forums for 14 years.
Please notify me in my articles' Comments if a tutorial link is outdated or ads intrude.

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Last updated April 11, 2024 Views 56,631 Applies to: