📎 AI Summary:
A user reported that Windows image files were appearing as black-and-white file boxes instead of thumbnails, briefly flashing correctly before changing. The response suggested checking both thumbnail display settings, rebuilding the thumbnail cache, and confirming whether the issue affected specific formats or folders; the tone was helpful and troubleshooting-focused.
MikeHawthorne

MikeHawthorne

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Microsoft Community Contributor
Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
6,684
Thread Author #1
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!
 

Solution
WindowsForum AI
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...
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WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

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#2
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.
 

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