Windows 10 Image Thumbnails Flash then Disappear in Explorer

Anonymous
2017-12-05T17:15:02+00:00

I'm running Windows 10 Pro, Version 1703. Basically, whenever I open a folder, the image thumbnails will flash then disappear, and I've maid sure my "Always show Icons, Not Thumbnails" is unchecked. I have no idea what the problem is, as that was the only solution I could seem to find. Thank you!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2018-01-01T13:46:04+00:00

I just learned that if you deactivate the OneDrive "save space and download files as you use them" feature (i.e. leave all OneDrive files on your PC) then the thumbnail problem is fixed.  In addition, the Photos app now shows these files (which it did not do before, even though the files were locally "always" stored on the PC).

There is clearly a bug in the change to OneDrive -- don't get me wrong, the selective sync feature is nice, but it is affecting the thumbnail process somehow.

Moderator's note:

You can disable OneDrive Files On-Demand feature using these steps:

  1. Right click OneDrive icon on taskbar, select Settings.
  2. In Settings tab, under Files On-Demand, uncheck Save space and download files as you use them option.
  3. Click OK.

Note: Microsoft has updated the information in this reply, to benefit users facing this issue.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-12-24T23:11:38+00:00

    I am having the exact same problem with my Microsoft Surface.  All is well on a Dell XPS13.  

    One wrinkle to add is that the folders are in OneDrive.  Still I would think that shouldn't matter.  

    Again, I tried all of the steps above multiple times.  In addition:

    1. I followed instructions to stop File Explorer, delete the Thumbnailxx.db files.  And then re-start File Explorer.  Still no success.
    2. I follow someone else's guidance to upgrade Windows 10 Professional (my version) with the same version.  While doing so I asked it to preserve the files and applications.  Still no success.  

    This is super frustrating.  Any guidance will be helpful.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-12-24T03:40:31+00:00

    In the case, thumbnails are still not showing at all on after following the steps mentioned, chances are that someone or something messed up with your folder settings. To sort the concern, you need to recreate the thumbnail cache using Disk Cleanup:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Click on the View tab.
    3. Click Options to open Folder Options.
    4. Click on the View tab.
    5. Make sure to clear the check mark for the Always show icons, never thumbnails option.
    6. Click Apply.
    7. Click OK to complete the task.

    Should you need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.

    Regards.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-12-21T22:00:51+00:00

    Yes. Did not fix.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-12-21T01:58:47+00:00

    Hi,

    Have you tried the steps provided on this thread yet?

    Regards.

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