How to Display Image Thumbnails Instead of File Names
Question details
The user wants to see image previews (thumbnails) instead of generic file type icons in Windows File Explorer or Microsoft Lists.
- Product
- Windows File Explorer, Microsoft Lists
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Organizing or browsing folders containing photo or image files.
- Observed behavior
- Files are displaying default application icons or file names instead of actual image previews, requiring the user to open each file individually.
Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date and that the folder containing your images is set to a viewing layout like 'Large icons' or 'Extra large icons' in the View menu.
Enable Thumbnail Previews in Folder Options
Modify your File Explorer settings to allow Windows to generate and display image thumbnails instead of default icons.
Windows File Explorer has a specific setting that forces files to display as icons rather than thumbnails to improve loading speeds. Disabling this setting will restore image previews across your folders.
Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
Click on the three-dot menu (More) in the top toolbar (for Windows 11) or click the 'View' tab at the top (for Windows 10), and select 'Options' from the drop-down list.
In the Folder Options dialog box that appears, click on the 'View' tab to access advanced settings.
Scroll through the 'Advanced settings' list, locate the option labeled 'Always show icons, never thumbnails', and uncheck the box next to it.
Click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to save your settings. Your image files will now display as thumbnail previews.
Enable Thumbnails in Advanced System Settings
Adjust Windows performance settings if changing the Folder Options didn't resolve the issue.
Format Thumbnail Columns in Microsoft Lists
For users managing files online, apply column formatting in Microsoft Lists to display image previews instead of text.
Experience a Faster, Lightweight Office Suite
While troubleshooting Windows Explorer settings, you might also be looking for a smoother way to manage your documents. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that runs seamlessly on Windows and automatically provides beautiful document thumbnail previews.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions.
- 3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without format loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my image thumbnails suddenly stop showing in Windows?
This typically happens if a recent Windows update altered your default File Explorer settings, or if the Windows Disk Cleanup utility automatically cleared your thumbnail cache to free up storage space.
How can I rebuild the thumbnail cache if images still show as icons?
You can rebuild the cache by opening the Windows Disk Cleanup utility, selecting your main system drive (usually C:), checking the 'Thumbnails' box, and clicking 'OK'. Windows will delete the old cache and generate fresh thumbnails.
Does WPS Office display thumbnails for its document files?
Yes, when properly configured in Windows, WPS Office documents (such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx equivalents) will display a preview thumbnail of the document's first page in File Explorer to help you identify files quickly.
