How to Fix Files Showing No Thumbnail Preview in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, when browsing files on Windows 11, you might notice that image, video, or document thumbnails don’t appear. Instead, you see generic icons, making it harder to find specific files quickly. This issue can be frustrating, especially if you rely on visual previews to organize your data.

Fortunately, fixing files showing no thumbnail preview in Windows 11 is usually straightforward. Most problems come from settings or cache issues that can be resolved with a few simple steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each method step-by-step, starting from the easiest fixes to more advanced options. By the end, you should be able to restore thumbnail previews and improve your file browsing experience.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Ensure thumbnails are enabled: Windows 11 can show thumbnails only if the setting is turned on.
Check file types: Thumbnails may not generate for some uncommon file formats or corrupted files.
Restart File Explorer: Sometimes, a simple restart of File Explorer fixes display glitches.
Update Windows: Keep your system updated, as Microsoft regularly releases fixes for common issues.

Step 1: Enable Thumbnails in Folder Options

Windows allows you to choose whether to show thumbnails or just icons for files. If this setting is disabled, you won’t see previews.

Open File Explorer by clicking its icon on the taskbar or pressing Win + E.
Click on the three dots menu at the top and select Options.
In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab.
Look for the option called “Always show icons, never thumbnails”.
Uncheck this option if it is selected. This setting disables thumbnails.
Click Apply and then OK.

Why this step matters: If Windows is set to always show icons, thumbnails won’t appear regardless of file types or cache. Enabling thumbnails here allows previews to generate.

Step 2: Clear and Reset the Thumbnail Cache

Windows stores thumbnail images in a cache to load previews faster. Sometimes, this cache gets corrupted and causes thumbnails to disappear.

Press Win + S to open the search bar and type Disk Cleanup.
Open the Disk Cleanup app from the results.
Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
In the Disk Cleanup window, make sure Thumbnails is checked.
Click OK and then Delete Files to clear the thumbnail cache.
Restart your computer to rebuild the cache automatically.

Why this step matters: Removing a corrupted thumbnail cache forces Windows to recreate fresh previews, fixing display problems.

Step 3: Check Performance Settings to Show Thumbnails

Windows 11 can optimize performance by disabling some visual effects, including thumbnails. If this is enabled, previews won’t show.

Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter to open System Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
In the Performance Options window, look for “Show thumbnails instead of icons”.
Make sure this option is checked.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Why this step matters: Disabling thumbnails here improves speed but hides previews. Enabling it restores visual file thumbnails.

Step 4: Verify File Explorer’s View Settings

File Explorer’s current view mode affects thumbnail display. For example, if you use the “Details” view, thumbnails won’t be visible.

Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the folder where thumbnails are missing.
Click on the View menu on the toolbar.
Choose a view like Large icons or Extra large icons.

Why this step matters: Thumbnail previews only appear in icon views, not list or details views. Changing the view helps confirm if thumbnails are enabled.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause display problems, including missing thumbnails.

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
If no update is found, you can visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest driver manually.

Why this step matters: Graphics drivers manage how images and previews render. Keeping them updated ensures Windows can generate thumbnails properly.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Thumbnail Generators

If Windows still doesn’t show thumbnails for certain file types (like RAW images or uncommon videos), you can use third-party tools. Programs like Icaros or SageThumbs add support for additional thumbnail previews.

These tools integrate with File Explorer and extend its preview capabilities beyond default Windows support.

FAQs

Why are my thumbnails not showing for videos?

Video thumbnails require codec support. If the necessary codec is missing or the video file is corrupted, thumbnails won’t generate. Installing a codec pack like K-Lite may help.

Does clearing the thumbnail cache delete my files?

No. Clearing the thumbnail cache only deletes temporary preview images stored by Windows. Your actual files remain safe.

Can antivirus software block thumbnails?

Some security programs might interfere with thumbnail generation, especially if they scan thumbnails for threats. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify if this is causing the issue.

How often should I clear the thumbnail cache?

There’s no set schedule. Clear the cache only if you notice thumbnails missing or corrupted previews.

Is it possible to disable thumbnails for better performance?

Yes, turning off thumbnails can speed up File Explorer on slower PCs, but you lose the convenience of visual previews.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps restore thumbnail previews, consider the following:

Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair system files.
Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Testing on a new account can check if the problem is profile-specific.
Reset Windows: As a last resort, use the Windows Reset feature to reinstall the OS while keeping your files.
Visit Microsoft Support: For persistent issues, check Microsoft’s official support for more help.

Conclusion

Missing thumbnail previews in Windows 11 can slow down your workflow, but fixing them is usually simple. Start by enabling thumbnails in Folder Options, clearing the thumbnail cache, and adjusting performance and view settings. Updating graphics drivers and using third-party tools can also help with specific file types.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy a smooth and visually rich file browsing experience again. Remember to keep your system updated and occasionally clear caches to maintain optimal performance.