how to show thumbnails in windows 10
Struggling to see thumbnails for your images or videos in Windows 10? It’s actually quite simple to fix. By tweaking a few settings, you can ensure that thumbnails appear, making it easier to preview your files without opening them. Follow the steps below to get those thumbnails visible again!
How to Show Thumbnails in Windows 10
This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure that thumbnails are displayed for your files in Windows 10.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing Windows + E.
File Explorer is the hub for managing your files and folders in Windows. This is the starting point for accessing the settings needed to show thumbnails.
Step 2: Open Folder Options
In File Explorer, click on the "View" tab at the top, then click on "Options" on the far right, and select "Change folder and search options."
This will open the Folder Options dialog box, where you can modify various settings related to how files and folders are displayed.
Step 3: Go to the View Tab
In the Folder Options dialog, click on the "View" tab.
The View tab contains settings that control how files and folders appear in File Explorer. This is where you’ll find the option to show thumbnails.
Step 4: Disable "Always show icons, never thumbnails"
Under "Advanced settings," scroll down and uncheck the box next to "Always show icons, never thumbnails." Then click "Apply," and "OK."
Disabling this option ensures that thumbnails are displayed instead of generic icons, making it easier to preview files visually.
Step 5: Clear Thumbnail Cache
Open Disk Cleanup by typing "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar and selecting the app. Choose your main drive (usually C:) and check "Thumbnails." Click "OK" to clear the cache.
Clearing the thumbnail cache can resolve issues with corrupted thumbnails, ensuring that they regenerate correctly.
After completing these actions, you should see thumbnails for your files in File Explorer.
Tips for How to Show Thumbnails in Windows 10
- Ensure File Types Support Thumbnails: Not all file types support thumbnail previews. Make sure the files you want to see thumbnails for are compatible.
- Use Large Icons View: Switching to "Large icons" or "Extra large icons" view in File Explorer can make thumbnails more visible and useful.
- Keep Your System Updated: Sometimes, system updates include fixes for thumbnail issues. Ensure your Windows 10 is up-to-date.
- Use a Third-Party Tool: If Windows settings don’t help, third-party tools like Icaros can enable thumbnails for more file types.
- Check for System File Corruption: Use the System File Checker tool (sfc /scannow) to fix any corrupt system files that might be affecting thumbnails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see thumbnails for my files in Windows 10?
You likely have the "Always show icons, never thumbnails" option enabled. Follow the steps above to disable it.
How do I get thumbnails to show up for all file types?
Not all file types support thumbnails natively. Using third-party software like Icaros can add thumbnail support for more file types.
Can I make thumbnails larger?
Yes, you can switch to "Large icons" or "Extra large icons" view in File Explorer for bigger thumbnails.
What if clearing the thumbnail cache doesn’t work?
Try restarting your computer or using the System File Checker tool to fix any underlying issues.
Are there alternatives to Windows built-in thumbnail generator?
Yes, third-party software like Icaros or SageThumbs can provide thumbnail previews for a wider range of file types.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Open Folder Options.
- Go to the View Tab.
- Disable "Always show icons, never thumbnails."
- Clear Thumbnail Cache.
Conclusion
Getting thumbnails to show up in Windows 10 can make managing your files a whole lot easier. By following the simple steps outlined above, you’ll be able to see previews of your images, videos, and other files right in File Explorer.
This can save you tons of time and hassle, especially if you’re dealing with a large number of files. Plus, with the additional tips and answers to common questions, you now have a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and optimize your thumbnail settings.
So go ahead, dive into your Folder Options, tweak those settings, and enjoy a more visual and user-friendly experience with Windows 10. For further reading, you can check out articles on advanced File Explorer tips or third-party tools that enhance thumbnail previews even more. Happy file browsing!
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.