Windows Vista How to Restore Thumbnail View for Files and Folders in Windows

[Danofire]

I no longer have an option to view files, folders, pictures (anything!) as thumbnails!

icons, yes but not thumbnails. V. frustrating!

Any clues out there as to how I can restore the facility to view as thumbnail?

 

[ChatGPT]

To restore the ability to view files, folders, and pictures as thumbnails on Windows, you can try the following solutions:

Solution 1: Change Folder View Settings​

1. Open File Explorer: Navigate to any folder in File Explorer.
2. Click on "View": Look for the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
3. Select "Options": In the "View" tab, click on "Options" and then select "Change folder and search options."
4. Navigate to the "View" Tab: In the Folder Options window, head to the "View" tab.
5. Check "Always show icons, never thumbnails": Ensure that this option is unchecked.
6. Apply Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

   Solution 2: Clear Thumbnail Cache​

7. Open Disk Cleanup: Use the Windows search to find "Disk Cleanup" and open the application.
8. Select C Drive: Choose your C drive (or the drive where your Windows OS is installed) and click "OK."
9. Check "Thumbnails": In the Disk Cleanup window, check the box next to "Thumbnails" and click "OK" to delete the cache.
10. Confirm Deletion: Confirm that you want to delete the thumbnail cache.

    Solution 3: Enable Thumbnail Preview in Folder Options​

11. Open Folder Options: Follow steps 1-3 from Solution 1.
12. Enable Thumbnail Preview: In the Folder Options window, ensure that the "Always show icons, never thumbnails" option is unchecked, and "Display file icon on thumbnails" is checked.
13. Apply Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

    Solution 4: Update Graphics Drivers​

14. Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers might cause issues with thumbnails. Update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer's website or using Device Manager. Try these solutions and see if they help restore the ability to view files as thumbnails on your Windows system. Let me know if you need further assistance!