Windows Explorer Doesn’t Show Thumbnail Previews

This may be a bug in Windows operating system or accidentally turned off thumbnails using Folder Options or System Properties.

No-Preview-Thumbnails

The problem can be fixed by following the below steps.

  1. Open Windows Explorer, click on Organize button present in command bar and select “Folder and search options
  2. Now go toView tab and make sure “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option is not enabled i.e. its disabled. Unchecked-Never-Thumbnails
  3. Click OK and close the Folder Options dialog box.
  4. The Thumbnail Previews will show-up again.Showing-Thumbnails

 

If the option is enabled, uncheck the checkbox and click on OK button.

It should fix the problem. If you can’t access Folder Options, you can use following alternative method:

  1. Typesysdm.cpl in RUN or Start Menu search box and press Enter. It’ll open System Properties.
  2. Go to “Advanced” tab and click on “Settings” button in “Performance” section.
  3. Now make sure “Show thumbnails instead of icons” option is enabled.