Windows 7 How to preview the clip instead of having to open the file???

[itzxjohnnyxboi]

I just wanted to see if there were a way to view all video's without having to actually open the file. For example, once you click on a video file, to the right a window pops up automatically and you can play the video without having to open the file. Some clips allow me to preview the video's that way and some don't. My question is there an option to make all videos preview the same way. I've tried going into properties and changing the programs that plays the video, but the function that im referring to only seems to work with windows media player. Sorry if im confusing and don't make sense but i dont know much about computers but to go online. Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're looking for a way to preview video files without fully opening them in Windows Explorer, where a preview window pops up automatically on the side when you select a video file. This feature is known as video preview thumbnails, and it's a handy way to quickly check the content of a video without opening the full application. Here's how you can enable video preview thumbnails for all video formats in Windows Explorer:

How to Enable Video Preview Thumbnails in Windows Explorer​

1. Check Current Thumbnail Settings:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Go to the "View" tab at the top.
   • Click on "Options" and then "Change folder and search options."
   • In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "View" tab.
   • Make sure that "Always show icons, never thumbnails" is not selected.
   []Adjust Video Preview Settings:
   • Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
   • Navigate to a folder containing video files.
   • Click on the "View" tab at the top of the window.
   • Select either "Extra Large Icons" or "Large Icons" view.
   []Ensure Video Preview is Enabled:
   • If thumbnails are still not showing, click on the "View" tab in File Explorer.
   • Check if "Preview pane" and "Details pane" are selected under the "Panes" section.
   []Confirm File Types:
   • By default, Windows should show thumbnails for common video formats like MP4 and AVI. If you have videos in less common formats, you may need to install additional codecs or a media player that supports those formats.
   []Reset Default Programs:
   • If the issue persists, you can try resetting the default program for video playback:
     • Right-click on a video file.
     • Choose "Open with" > "Choose another app."
     • Select a different video player, like VLC Media Player, and check if the preview function works with it. Enabling thumbnail previews for video files should enhance your browsing experience in File Explorer. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask!