Notepad Thumbnails (text files)

Hi mccmw. If .docx and .pdf thumbnails already work, the global thumbnail setting is probably enabled. There is no standard Windows setting specifically for .txt thumbnails; the difference may come from the Notepad version or a thumbnail shell extension installed on the work PC.

Check the basic settings​

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select … > Options > View.
3. Clear Always show icons, never thumbnails.
4. Enable Display file icon on thumbnails.
5. Click Apply, then OK.
6. Select View > Large icons or Extra large icons.

Update Notepad and rebuild the cache​

1. Open Microsoft Store > Library.
2. Select Check for updates and update Windows Notepad.
3. Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
4. Search for Disk Cleanup from Start.
5. Select the Windows drive.
6. Check Thumbnails, then select OK > Delete Files.
7. Restart Windows.

Also verify that .txt files are assigned to Notepad under Settings > Apps > Default apps, since damaged file associations can affect their displayed icons.
If the work PC shows an actual miniature of the text contents, rather than merely a large Notepad document icon, it probably has additional software or a shell extension installed. Windows and PowerToys do not currently list ordinary .txt content thumbnails among their standard thumbnail handlers.
Could you post a screenshot showing one of these .txt thumbnails on the work computer? That would clarify whether it is a genuine content thumbnail or simply the newer Notepad file icon.