How to fix File Explorer thumbnails not showing correctly on Windows 11

Thumbnails make it easy to preview images, videos, and documents in File Explorer. When they stop showing up, browsing files can get tedious—fast. If your thumbnails aren’t displaying properly in Windows 11, here’s how to get them back in working order.

1. Check Your Folder Options

Windows 11 might be set to show icons instead of thumbnails. Here’s how to check:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the three dots (···) in the toolbar, then select Options.
3. In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.
4. Make sure “Always show icons, never thumbnails” is unchecked.
5. Click OK to save changes.

2. Clear Thumbnail Cache

Corrupted thumbnail cache files can cause problems. Clearing the cache forces Windows to rebuild your thumbnails.

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
3. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
4. In the list, check Thumbnails.
5. Click OK and then Delete Files.

3. Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes, a quick restart of File Explorer is all you need.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.

4. Check Visual Effects Settings

Disabling certain visual effects can stop thumbnails from working. To check:

1. Press Windows + S, type Advanced System Settings, and select the result.
2. Under the Performance section, click Settings.
3. Make sure “Show thumbnails instead of icons” is checked.
4. Click Apply and OK.

5. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or buggy graphics drivers can mess with thumbnails.

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand Display adapters.
• Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
• Follow the prompts to search automatically for drivers.

6. Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files might be the culprit.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to finish and follow any prompts.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates often fix bugs—including thumbnail issues.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Still not working?
Consider using a third-party thumbnail fixer or resetting your PC settings as a last resort. For most users, though, one of the steps above should get your thumbnails showing up again.

Need more help with Windows 11? Leave a comment below with your questions or issues.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!