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
    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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2017-12-27T06:34:49+00:00

    Hi Ron,

    If thumbnail previews not showing after doing all the steps provided above. Simply follow the instructions provide below.

    Open Control Panel, select All Control Panel Items and then click on System. Now, on the left side, you will see Advanced system settings. Click on it. Next, under the Advanced tab, click on Performance Settings. Under the Visual Effects tab, you will see Show thumbnails instead of icons. Make sure that this option is checked. Click on Apply and Exit.

    If you require any further information, feel free to let us know.

    Regards.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-12-27T22:00:21+00:00

    Thank you.  I followed the instructions exactly.  This did not solve the problem.  I found that proposed solution online too and noted that it did not address the problem with thumbnails not showing jpg pictures.  

    This is frustrating.  I note that this is a commonly mentioned problem online.  I do hope there's more we can try.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2017-12-28T01:34:07+00:00

    Just to clarify.  I have done each of the steps indicated in the following website:

    https://www.easytechguides.com/thumbnails-not-showing-in-windows.html

    There are 10 ideas.  I've done the first 9.  I'd rather not download a 3rd-party solution to fix this, but all the rest have been done.  Plus, I did an upgrade installation.  

    Thx.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments