Windows 8.1 Preview Pane only shows Icons for pictures - no previews

Anonymous
2013-11-18T15:19:36+00:00

I can view previews of documents (pdfs and docs) but previews of jpegs (and all other image file formats) will only show icons no matter what I configure as the Default Program, i.e. Photo, MS Paint, or Photoshop.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

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Anonymous
2013-11-18T19:34:26+00:00

Hi,

Thanks for reporting this problem! It sounds like you need to change a system setting relating to thumbnails. Perform the following steps to enable thumbnails to be shown:

  1. Launch File Explorer (Winkey+E).
  2. Click the View tab at the top of the window.
  3. Click the Options button.
  4. In the Folder Options window that appears, click on the View tab..
  5. Uncheck the "Always show icons, never thumbnails" option.
  6. Click Apply, then OK.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-03-01T15:35:40+00:00

    I don't know HOW my settings were changed, but I have not had previews for a while and its been a problem.  This fixed it quickly, but I would NEVER have found this option ... and I looked for it.  Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-03-01T08:26:38+00:00

    PS:

    I seem to remember that that free pdf reader that comes with 8.1 also came with  a "reading list" app which may show previews.  I'm sorry I don't know more about it but I didn't like the way it formatted my books...didn't have half the options of Adobe or 1/3 those of Calibre so I soon removed it.

    But you might check if you're okay with it otherwise.

    http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/windows-reading-list/98bc0b52-5e5c-4097-b58e-e8e859e1829f

    It looks pretty cool...the list I mean.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-03-01T08:10:53+00:00

    Yeah but pdf are Portable Document Files...not graphic files.  Tell me, are you using the free pdf reader that comes with 8.1 or are you using Adobe?

    I ask because I always use Adobe for pdf files and Calibre for most other formats (though it works with pdf files as well.  With the free Calibre reader one can download and install cover art for the books one has converted for the Calibre Reader (those that didn't include the cover already) and THESE will show up in the preview pane.

    The free Adobe Reader (I suggest getting the 10,1,13 version as the Adobe XI has a lot of problems)

    you can get here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/

    And the free Calibre Reader can be found here: http://calibre-ebook.com/download_windows

    And, of course, the free Kindle for PC from Amazon kicks...uh, I mean, it is very good.

    GET FREE KINDLE FOR PC

    (If I remember right there's also a Kindle app in the Apps that come with 8.1 but one cannot adjust the size of the text for aging eyes which is why I got mine direct from the Amazon store and uninstalled this one).

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-03-01T03:10:22+00:00

    Tiles view lets me see previews of jpg, png, ppt, etc,, but no pdf :-(

    bummed

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