Windows 10: File explorer shows dummy instead of thumbnail preview at some layout

Hello, all great supporters and specialists,

I encounter the problem that for some file formats the preview at the windows 10 file explorer shows a dummy icon instead of the thumbnail preview. What makes it extra complex (and I could not yet find a fix for that) is that this happens only at certain layouts of the file explore (details, list, small icons). At others ((extra) large and medium icons, content, tiles) the preview is shown correctly.

The file format seems to be picture-related: see these screenshot examples for .ico and for .jpg and .png:

.ico and small icons: https://snipboard.io/WoG5nb.jpg (preview missing)
.ico and medium icons: https://snipboard.io/Z97l1s.jpg (preview shown correctly)

.jpg/.png and details: https://snipboard.io/9PZMEA.jpg (preview missing)
.jpg/.png and medium icons: https://snipboard.io/Ky6zJm.jpg (preview shown correctly)

The default app for all those file formats is: Photos
In the folder view settings "Always show icons and never thumbnails" is obviously not checked.
In the folder view settings "Display file icon on thumbnails" is checked. (Unchecking does not fix the problem.)

I vaguely remember that there was an easy fix. But that was a long time ago and I cannot find the trick (anymore) when searching for it. Do you know the magic?

Thanks for your support in advance!

:)

 

PDF thumbnails not showing in Windows 10 file explorer

In Acrobat Reader DC, go to Preferences > General and then select Enable PDF thumbnail previews in Windows Explorer.

This should show thumbnails in File Explorer. For some reason, my selection got turned off (not by me). Check your settings again. I have done this same step for numerous computers now, and so far they all work.

The first time you do this, Adobe Reader DC actually has a pop-up saying something like installing a add-on or extension. If you don't see this, then I suggest a reinstall of the latest DC.

 

Preview and thumbnails are not showing up in Windows Explorer, Adobe Acrobat X Pro.

Hi Susanne,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand your concern. The PDF Shell component in Adobe Reader allows you to see the thumbnails of PDF documents in Windows explorer. However, it seems Preview and Thumbnails of PDF files are disabled. Please follow steps mentioned below to enable
the same.

1. Launch Adobe Reader.
   
2. Click on Edit in the menu bar and choose
   Preferences.
   
3. Highlight General under Categories.
   
4. Check the box behind Enable PDF thumbnail previews in Windows Explorer.
   

You may also want to refer
Enable thumbnail of PDFs in Windows Explorer for more details.





Regards,

 

"This file can't be previewed" problem in explorer

Hi Deborah,

For us to provide an accurate resolution, kindly elaborate the issue by answering the questions listed below:

• Since when have you been experiencing this issue?
• Were there any changes on your PC before this happened like software or updates installed?

For initial troubleshooting, we suggest that you follow the steps listed below:

• Open File Explorer.
• Access this link
  
  C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
• Delete all the files.
• After deleting the files kindly try and see if there's a thumbnail preview of your files.

We're looking forward to your response.