By default, Windows 10 shows a generic icon for PDF files in File Explorer instead of a preview of the first page. Windows can display PDF thumbnails, but it needs a program that provides a thumbnail handler for PDFs. The most common options are Adobe Acrobat Reader, which has a setting for this that’s turned off by default, and Microsoft’s free PowerToys. This guide covers both, plus the File Explorer settings that also have to be right.
Method 1: Turn On Thumbnails in Adobe Acrobat Reader
According to Adobe’s help page, the PDF Shell component in Acrobat and Acrobat Reader shows PDF thumbnails in File Explorer, but the feature is off by default.
Step 1: Install or Update Acrobat Reader
Install the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe’s website if you don’t have it, or update it from Menu > Help > Check for updates.
Step 2: Open Preferences
Open Acrobat Reader and go to Menu (the three lines in the top-left corner) > Preferences. In older versions, it’s Edit > Preferences. You can also press Ctrl + K.
Step 3: Enable Thumbnail Previews
Select the General category and check Enable PDF thumbnail previews in Windows Explorer. Click OK.
Step 4: Refresh File Explorer
Close and reopen File Explorer, or restart the PC. Open a folder with PDFs and switch to View > Medium icons or larger. Thumbnails may take a moment to appear the first time.
Method 2: Use Microsoft PowerToys
If you don’t want Acrobat, Microsoft’s free PowerToys includes PowerToys File Explorer add-ons that add preview pane and thumbnail support for several file types, including PDF.
- Install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s GitHub page.
- Open PowerToys and select File Explorer add-ons.
- Under the thumbnail previews section, turn on the PDF option. Turn on the PDF option under Preview Pane too if you want full-page previews.
- Restart File Explorer or sign out and back in.
Microsoft notes that enabling these handlers overrides other preview handlers you already have, and there have been reports of conflicts between Outlook and the PDF preview handler. If Outlook attachment previews stop working, turn the PDF previewer off.
Check File Explorer’s Thumbnail Settings
Neither method works if Windows is set to show icons only:
- In File Explorer, click View > Options > Change folder and search options, open the View tab, and clear Always show icons, never thumbnails.
- Search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and make sure Show thumbnails instead of icons is checked.
For more detail on these settings, see how to view thumbnails in Windows 10.
Tips for Showing PDF Thumbnails
- Use Medium icons or larger. Details and List views don’t show thumbnails.
- Use only one PDF thumbnail provider at a time to avoid conflicts.
- Password-protected or damaged PDFs may still show a plain icon.
- Large folders can take a while to generate thumbnails the first time you open them.
Troubleshooting
Thumbnails Still Don’t Appear
Clear the thumbnail cache. Search for Disk Cleanup, select your C: drive, check Thumbnails, and click OK. Then reopen the folder so Windows rebuilds the previews.
The Acrobat Setting Is Missing or Grayed Out
Update Acrobat Reader to the latest version. Some company-managed installations hide the option, so ask your IT department.
Thumbnails Show for Some PDFs but Not Others
The missing ones may be password-protected, damaged, or stored on a network or cloud location that’s set to online-only. For OneDrive files, right-click and choose Always keep on this device to download them.
File Explorer Crashes When Opening PDF Folders
A faulty thumbnail handler can cause this. Turn off the Acrobat setting or the PowerToys PDF option, restart File Explorer, and turn on only one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see PDF thumbnails after following the steps?
Check that File Explorer isn’t set to always show icons, use Medium icons or larger, and clear the thumbnail cache with Disk Cleanup.
Do I need Adobe Acrobat Reader?
No. Microsoft PowerToys can add PDF thumbnails without Acrobat. Some other PDF apps include a thumbnail handler too.
Will this work on Windows 11?
Yes. Both the Acrobat setting and PowerToys work on Windows 11 as well.
Can I see PDF previews in the Preview pane?
Yes. Press Alt + P in File Explorer to open the Preview pane. Acrobat Reader and the PowerToys PDF previewer can both show the full page there.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.