Folder Thumbnail is Not Showing in Windows 11 - [ Fix ]

Experiencing thumbnails not showing for specific or all image files in your PC folder. In this post, I will show you how to fix this issue with some steps that might help.

Image thumbnails not showing up in Windows might be because of corrupted files, incorrect settings, or junk files stored on the PC.

Here are 10 methods you can perform one by one to make sure all conflicts settings and systems will resolve that might be the cause of the thumbnail not showing.

1. Check extension 

Firstly check the extension of those image files whose thumbnail is not showing in File Explorer,

Here are some supported image file formats of Windows 11,

• 1. Jpeg
• 2. Tiff
• 3. Gif
• 4. Png
• 5. Bmp

If your image file is other than these formats then you need to try installing those file extension codecs in your PC.

For example: to view the file image you need to download the heic file extension codec from the Microsoft Store.

2. Restore and restart file explorer

Restoring File Explorer's default settings might help you to get rid of the thumbnail not showing the issue,

Open File Explorer and click on the three-dot menu located at the top. Click on option> view> restore default> apply this will restore your default Windows file explorer settings.

To re-start File Explorer open Task Manager and click on File Explorer or search it in the Task Manager search bar.

Right-click on File Explorer and select Restart.

3. Restart PC

Restart Windows 11 PC that quickly fixes any issue related to Windows cache or files.

4. Run sfc scan

Sometimes missing or corrupted system files can cause the thumbnail not to show issues, 

To fix this simple run system scan through the command prompt application,

To run the scan open the command prompt as administrator.

Paste sfc/scannow and press enter.

This will scan your PC and fix related issues. This might take time so make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection.

5. Enable the thumbnail feature

To enable the Windows 11 thumbnail feature open File Explorer click on the three dot menu at the top of Windows then select option> View and make the always show icon selected.

This option enables icon view and removes the thumbnail error shown.

6. Check advanced system settings 

Open the start menu and type advanced system settings then select that app.

In performance select settings and make sure to save the taskbar thumbnail preview and show the thumbnail instead of the icon selected.