Windows thumbnails are not displayed usually caused by system settings, performance options, cache exceptions or file format support. The solution is as follows: 1. Uncheck "Always show icons, never show thumbnails"; 2. Enable "Show thumbnails instead of icons" in the system performance settings and disable "Show icons instead of thumbnails in folders"; 3. Use cleanmgr to clean the thumbnail cache or execute ie4uinit.exe -ClearIconCache through the command prompt; 4. Install the corresponding decoder or software to support the display of thumbnails for specific file types. Most problems can be solved by adjusting settings and clearing caches, while special formats require support from third-party plug-ins or programs.

Thumbnails are not displayed on Windows, especially when you need to quickly browse pictures, videos or documents, which particularly affect efficiency. This problem may be caused by system settings, file type support, or cache exceptions. Below are some common directions to help you troubleshoot and repair.

1. Check the "Always show icons, never show thumbnails" setting in File Explorer

Many people don't notice this hidden setting, which directly causes all files to display only icons instead of thumbnails.

• Open any folder (such as "this computer" or a picture folder)
• Click the View tab in the top menu bar
• Click Options > Folder Options in the Pane area
• Switch to the View tab
• Make sure the option "Always show icons, never show thumbnails" is not checked

If you accidentally check this option before, the thumbnail image should be restored after canceling it.

2. Confirm the system performance options allow thumbnails to be displayed

In order to improve performance, Windows sometimes turns off some visual effects, including thumbnails.

• Right-click "This Computer" or "My Computer" and select "Properties"
• Click "Advanced System Settings" on the left
• Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section
• Make sure "Show icons in folders instead of thumbnails" is not checked
• It is also recommended to check "Show file type information in folder prompts" and "Show thumbnails instead of icons"

These settings directly affect whether the thumbnail is loaded, and changes can usually be seen immediately after modification.

3. Clear thumbnail cache

If the previous settings are OK but still do not display, the thumbnail cache may be corrupted.

You can rebuild the thumbnail cache through commands:

1. Press Win R to open the run window and enter cleanmgr
2. Select the system disk (usually a C disk)
3. Check the "Thumbnail" item and click OK to clean it up.
4. Restart Explorer or restart your computer after completion

You can also use the command line method:

• Open a command prompt (administrator)
• Enter the following command and press Enter:

   ie4uinit.exe -ClearIconCache

This can force refresh the cache and solve the problem of thumbnails not displaying due to cache corruption.

4. Check whether the file type is supported for thumbnails

Not all file formats can display thumbnails. For example, if some new versions of image formats (such as HEIC) or files generated by third-party software are not installed, Windows cannot generate thumbnails.

• If you are opening a file of some special format (such as PSD, RAW photos, MKV videos, etc.), try to install relevant software or codec
• Video thumbnails usually rely on the support of media players, and installing VLC, PotPlayer, etc. may be helpful.

Tips: There are slight differences in different system versions

• The interfaces of Windows 10 and Windows 11 are slightly different, but most settings are the same
• There is no difference between the home version and the professional version, and it does not affect the thumbnail function.
• When using OneDrive or other cloud synchronization tools, sometimes thumbnails will be delayed and you will see them after the file is fully downloaded.

Basically, these common reasons and treatment methods are all there. Most of the time it is a setting problem, and occasionally it is a cache or format support problem. Change a few settings and clear the cache, and you can basically restore normality.

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