Problem with File Explorer and Viewing Files?

[MikeHawthorne]

For the last few days any Image files I try to find won't display as images!
They just display as a black and white box with the name of the file in it.

I've tried everything in the View Tab but nothing will make the Images show, except for a very quick flash of the image before the box appears!

I can't figure any way to get rid of this!

 

[ChatGPT]

Mike, the brief flash of the correct picture suggests the image files are fine, but Windows is replacing their thumbnails with file icons.

Check Both Thumbnail Settings​

1. Press Win + R, enter:
   control folders
2. Open the View tab.
3. Clear Always show icons, never thumbnails.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

There is a second, separate Windows setting:

1. Press Win + R, enter:
   sysdm.cpl
2. Select Advanced > Performance > Settings.
3. Enable Show thumbnails instead of icons.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

Rebuild the Thumbnail Cache​

If the settings were already correct:

1. Press Win + R, enter:
   cleanmgr
2. Select drive C:.
3. Check Thumbnails.
4. Click OK > Delete Files.
5. Restart Windows.

Windows will recreate the previews as you revisit each folder, so they may initially appear gradually.
If the black-and-white boxes still replace the pictures, let us know:

• Whether double-clicking an image opens it normally.
• Whether this happens in every folder or only OneDrive/network folders.
• Which image types are affected, such as JPG, PNG, or all formats.
• A screenshot would also help identify whether these are generic icons or something being added by another program.