OneDrive File Issues

Fix Missing OneDrive Folder Thumbnails on Multiple Devices

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

Folder thumbnail previews have disappeared across multiple OneDrive platforms and devices, although individual photo thumbnails are still displaying correctly.

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Multiple devices including Android
Scenario: Browsing directories and viewing folder icons within the OneDrive application or web interface.
Observed behavior: Folder icons no longer display a preview thumbnail of their contents, which appears to be a change in newer app versions or account-specific behavior.

Before you start

Verify whether you are using a personal OneDrive account or OneDrive for Business, and check if logging into the web version on a desktop browser displays the thumbnails correctly.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit Feedback for Feature Changes

Since the disappearance of folder thumbnails is often tied to recent OneDrive version updates (particularly on Android), reporting the issue directly to Microsoft is the recommended approach to request the feature's return.

Microsoft frequently updates the OneDrive interface. Recent versions of the OneDrive app may no longer support folder thumbnails by design, especially on certain mobile platforms. Submitting a feature suggestion is the best way to alert the development team that users still rely on this visual cue.

Open the Profile Menu

Launch the OneDrive application on your device and tap or click on your Profile icon to open the main menu.

Navigate to Help & Feedback

Scroll through the menu options and select 'Help & Feedback'.

Submit a Feature Suggestion

Choose 'Feature Suggestions' and write a brief description stating that folder thumbnail previews are missing and request that they be reinstated.

App Version Changes: This behavior is commonly observed in newer paid personal accounts running the latest version of the Android app, whereas older accounts or versions might still show thumbnails.

Solution 2

Compare Account and Platform Behavior

Determine if the missing thumbnails are an account-specific glitch by testing different OneDrive platforms.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While cloud storage interface changes like missing folder thumbnails in OneDrive can be frustrating, viewing and editing your actual documents shouldn't be. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, integrating smoothly with various cloud services to ensure your files are always accessible and easy to manage.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation process for your specific operating system.
2. Connect Your Cloud Drive: Launch the application, navigate to the 'Open' menu, and link your cloud storage accounts to browse your files directly within WPS.
3. Organize and Edit: Use the integrated file manager to clearly view, organize, and edit your documents without worrying about missing preview features.

Seamlessly highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Easily access and edit documents directly from your preferred cloud storage.Lightweight architecture ensures fast performance without bogging down your device.Free to download and use with a clean, intuitive, and familiar user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my OneDrive folder thumbnails suddenly disappear?

Microsoft frequently rolls out updates to the OneDrive app. Recent versions, particularly on platforms like Android, may have removed support for folder thumbnails by design to optimize performance or simplify the UI.

Are individual photo thumbnails affected by this issue?

No, generally only the folder preview icons are affected. Individual photos stored within those folders should still display their respective image thumbnails normally.

Does this issue affect both Personal and Business OneDrive accounts?

It can vary. Users have reported the issue primarily occurring on newer paid personal accounts, while some older accounts or OneDrive for Business configurations may continue to display folder thumbnails.

Can I revert to the old folder thumbnail view in OneDrive?

Currently, there is no built-in toggle in the OneDrive settings to bring back folder thumbnails if the app version has removed them. Submitting a feature suggestion via the app's Help & Feedback section is the best way to request their return.

Document & File Issues