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

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
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.

Was this answer helpful?

70+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

85 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2018-11-07T13:25:04+00:00

    I had the same issue and realised that I had "Disabled" the OneDrive sync on start up in Task manager.

    Once I enabled it again picture thumbnails were restored.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-11-08T21:16:48+00:00

    This issue has been assigned issue numbers SRX1446339035 SRX144633548 with Microsoft technical third tier support. If you call contact Microsoft about this issue, please refer to these issue numbers.

    I worked with Microsoft to try and resolve this issue. I tried about 30 different steps and Microsoft finally concluded the issue is "folder corruption". The cause may be OneDrive syncing or some other unknown cause. Microsoft does not know (shock!)

    The workaround is to move all picture files out of the Picture folder into another folder that is not synced with OneDrive, then create a new subfolder under the Picture folder, and move the picture files back into the subfolder. For some people, the subfolder may not be necessary, Microsoft did not bother to test any of this. I only am reporting what I did on my system. This is MY workaround.  Microsoft was a total waste of time.

    I have to say the Microsoft was no help whatsoever and I ended up contacting the BBB and filing complaint ID 13188708 with the Northwest + Pacific BBB. Why the hell did I purchase a warranty? What was I thinking??

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-12-22T00:32:14+00:00

    [Windows 10 Home]

    [i7 - 32GB - 64-bit - OS on SSD]

    I have a similar issue where thumbnails for MP3 files are removed when left on the Desktop.  They disappear after a screen refresh.

    I have followed all the steps previously provided and the problem remains.

    In my sitaution, only files on the Desktop appear to be affected.

    I have confirmed this is a OneDrive related issue.

    The issue does not occur when OneDrive is paused or disabled.

    Other than disabling OneDrive, does anyone have another solution?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-02-08T09:21:40+00:00

    On my computer, i've noticed it only happens when "win 10 photos" is selected as standard app, after using the old "photo viewer" as standard, thumbnails will show in the explorer.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments