PDF thumbnails are of great use and highly customizable.
They help you distinguish between files and bring up the one you need.
However, what if Windows stops showing the PDF thumbnails?
Many Windows 10/11 users have recently reported problems with PDF files.
Users have reported that PDF thumbnails dont show up.
When Windows stops showing the PDF thumbnails, the files name becomes the only differentiating factor.
If youve been facing the same or similar issue, continue reading the guide.
Below, we have shared some best ways to fix PDF thumbnails not showing on Windows.
If Windows Explorer is experiencing any issues, you will face problems like PDF thumbnails not showing up.
you’re free to rule out such problems by restarting the Windows Explorer process from the Task Manager.
- pop in in Task Manager on the Windows Search.
Open theTask Managerapp from the list of best-match results.
When the Task Manager opens, switch toProcesses.
Find & right-choose the Windows Explorer and selectRestart.
This will instantly restart the Windows Explorer process.
your gear screen will go black for a few seconds and will become normal again.
Its absolutely possible that the PDF thumbnails not showing up due to bugs or glitches.
And restarting the unit is the best way to get rid of such bugs & glitches.
So, before trying the next methods, kickstart your Windows computer once.
However, theres a feature on Windows that lets you enable or turn off the Thumbnails.
Heres how to enable thumbnails on Windows.
First, open thefile explorerof your Windows gear.
On the top bar, click thethree dotsshown in the screenshot below.
SelectOptionsfrom the list of options that appears.
This will pop crack open the Folder Options.
Next, switch to theViewtab, as shown in the screenshot below.
On the Advanced controls,unchecktheAlways show icons, never thumbnailsoption and pick the Ok button.
Reset the Thumbnail cache
If the thumbnail cache files are corrupted, the PDF thumbnails wont appear.
Heres how to fix PDF thumbnails not showing.
- tap the Windows Start button and selectSettings.
On options, click theSystemtab on the left.
On the right side, click onStorage.
Next, on Storage, clickTemporary files.
On the next screen, check only theThumbnailsand click theRemove filesoption.
Heres how to enable PDF thumbnails by editing Windows Registry.
If the folder is unavailable, right-punch CLSID and selectNew > Key.
Name the new String Value asAppID.
Once done, hit the Ok button.
For example, it has a feature that enables PDF thumbnails on the file explorer.
Heres how to use it.
First, download & install PowerToys on your Windows PC.
Once installed, open it and switch to theFile Explorer add-onstab on the left side.
3.Enablethe toggle forPortable Document formaton the right side.
After making the changes, reboot your Windows computer.
This will overrule all existing thumbnail tweaks and will initiate the PDF thumbnails.
Now reboot your Windows computer and navigate to the folder storing PDF files.
The PDF thumbnails will appear now.
8 Ways to Fix it
How To Fix Mobile Hotspot Connected but No Internet on Android
