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Windows 11 Folder Thumbnails Not Showing: How to Fix This

A comprehensive guide to fixing this issue in 3 easy ways

4 min. read

Updated onJanuary 5, 2024

updated onJanuary 5, 2024

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Key notes

Thumbnails are great, and it seems like some PS owners are most likely to use them over icons. They refer to the displayed content of the folder.

You should be able to view pictures, videos, documents, and even code files depending on what the folder contains.

However, users reported that Windows 11 folder thumbnails aren’t showing in File Explorer.

From what they describe, folders are not previewing thumbnails of inside content. So, they have to open each folder to see what’s there.

Why can’t I view Windows 11 folder thumbnails?

Microsoft has improved Windows 11 File Explorer. Although it is better and easy to use, the thumbnail function has been quietly removed.

Producers didn’t announce this change but keep in mind that you can easily get the default aspect through the Windows 11 beta version.

After canceling this function users discovered that this feature is very useful. And why is that? Because the folder file type can be recognizable by the thumbnail.

But now it has been deleted, so subsequent versions will no longer see folder thumbnails, which may cause inconvenience to some consumers.

Let’s see some efficient options that will help you to view Windows 11 folder thumbnails.

What can I do if Windows 11 folder thumbnails aren’t showing?

1. Roll-back to the previous OS

For more useful information, check out thisguide on how to roll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

2. Switch to Windows 11 Beta

As mentioned before, even if Microsoft canceled folder thumbnails in Windows 11, the beta version will help you get the desired File Explorer aspect.

If you’re not happy with the idea of Beta Windows versions, you can easily downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 and get back the design that shows folder thumbnails.

3. Restore File Explorer settings to default

Press theWindows keyon your keyboard to open the search box.
Typeexplorer optionsin the search box and click on the result.
The File Explorer Options window will now be opened on your screen.
Navigate to theViewtab.
From this tab, click onRestore Defaults.
SelectApplyandOKto save the changes.
Check if the folder thumbnails are showing now.

Another solution to make folder thumbnails show is to reset File Explorer to its default Settings. It could be that some Settings changes were preventing thumbnails from showing.

Do I really need folder thumbnails in Windows 11?

Even if they create a much more recognizable environment, Windows 11 folder thumbnails are not necessary. In fact, having them disabled could be a benefit due to some specific aspects:

➡ Windows will feel much faster

Keep in mind that everytime you open a folder, your OS will use resources to load all the thumbnails.

This isn’t a huge deal for folders with few documents, but opening one with 500 pictures could take several seconds to load them all.

To improve performance, check out some additional methodsto make Windows 11 faster and more responsive.

➡ Free up storage space

Storing thumbnails might take up a lot of space on your computer, especially since Windows 11 doesn’t support old devices.

However,you can save some storage by removing those with paltry amounts of disk space.

➡ Keep your data secured

Last but not least, without folder thumbnails, your privacy will be more secure. For example, someone can gain access to sensitive information by simply walking behind your desk. In these terms, your private data could be compromised.

However, when it comes torestoring Google thumbnails, you should because they make your work easier in quickly accessing your most frequented sites.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Windows 11 isn’t at its final version, so what it gives you today may be finished later this year.

Note that you can also contribute to the future OS aspect by using the Feedback Hub app and giving your suggestions.

And since your opinion is the most important, do not hesitate to share it with us by leaving a comment in the section below.

Windows 11 Folder Thumbnails Not Showing: How to Fix This#

What can I do if Windows 11 folder thumbnails aren’t showing?#

1. Roll-back to the previous OS#

2. Switch to Windows 11 Beta#

3. Restore File Explorer settings to default#

Do I really need folder thumbnails in Windows 11?#