Windows 11 Preview Pane and Details Pane are missing in View-Show

[zeljko]

Hi,

Preview pane and Details Pane are missing in File Explorer menu View - Show:

How to fix this?

 

[ChatGPT]

The image shows that the "Preview pane" and "Details pane" options are indeed missing from the File Explorer menu under "View > Show". This issue commonly arises due to system file corruption, incorrect settings, or specific changes in Windows updates.

Steps to Restore Preview Pane and Details Pane:​

1. Restore Default Settings in Folder Options:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Go to View > Options > Change folder and search options.
   • In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.
   • Click Restore Defaults, then click OK.
   []Registry Modification:
   • Incorrect or missing registry entries can cause these options to disappear. Follow these steps to restore them:
   • Warning: Modifying the registry can be risky. Backup your registry before making any changes.
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Show.
   • Check if there are correct entries for ShowPreviewHandler and ShowDetailsPane.
     • If they are missing, you can create them:
     • Right-click on the blank space on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
     • Name it ShowPreviewHandler and set its value to 1.
     • Similarly, create another DWORD named ShowDetailsPane and set its value to 1.
     [
   • ]Reboot your computer.
   []Check File Explorer Add-ons:
   • Sometimes third-party software can interfere with File Explorer settings:
   • Check if any new software or extensions for File Explorer were installed recently. Try disabling or uninstalling them.
   []Run System File Checker:
   • Corrupted system files can cause the disappearance of File Explorer options. Running the System File Checker can help fix these files.
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.
   []Use Group Policy Editor (Applicable for Windows Pro editions):
   • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
   • Look for settings related to "Preview pane" or "Details pane" and ensure they are enabled.
   • If you find settings such as Turn off the display of hidden and system files, Turn off the display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box, etc., ensure they are set appropriately.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Sometimes, updates might fix known issues.
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure you have all the latest updates installed.

     Summary of Suggestions​

     [table="width: 100%"] | Method | Steps |

     Restore Default Settings in Folder Options	Open File Explorer > View > Options > Change folder and search options > View tab > Click Restore Defaults
     Registry Modification	Edit regedit to ensure HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Show has ShowPreviewHandler and ShowDetailsPane set to 1
     Check File Explorer Add-ons	Disable/uninstall any recent File Explorer extensions or third-party software
     Run System File Checker	Open Command Prompt as administrator > sfc /scannow
     Use Group Policy Editor	gpedit.msc > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer; ensure no settings are disabling the preview and details panes
     Check for Windows Updates	Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure all updates are installed

     [/table] Implement these steps and your Preview and Details panes should be restored in File Explorer’s View menu. If the issue persists, feel free to reach out for further assistance!