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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

58 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-28T23:02:16+00:00

    it drove me nuts for a while after I upgraded to 8.1 but your suggestion fixed the problem.  Thank you!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-05T08:13:33+00:00

    Thank you Adam.  Forgot that one.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-09T20:22:57+00:00

    I am only seeing the Photos app icon for all photos that exist on the computer.  The photos are common file types like .jpg.  All I see is the .jpeg photo icon in windows explorer and also in the preview pane.  Interestingly, PDF and .DOCX files will preview in the preview pane, but not .jpg.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-21T00:08:11+00:00

    Hi Gary,

    To clarify, you are only seeing the Photos app icon for all of the photos that exist on your computer? Are they common filetypes like .jpg and .png? Can you launch the Photos app from the Start menu and see your photos?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments