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Windows Explorer Preview Pane not working with OneDrive / Sharepoint Files in Cloud

Anonymous
2019-01-14T19:27:57+00:00

According to the MS post below, OneDrive on-Demand files are supposed to be viewable in the preview pane, but I can't seem to get it to work. Files that are downloaded (green checkmark) work fine, but those that are on-demand (blue cloud) don't, regardless of file type.

The post: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/file-types-supported-for-previewing-files-in-onedrive-sharepoint-and-teams-e054cd0f-8ef2-4ccb-937e-26e37419c5e4

Setup details: We've recently migrated our files into a SharePoint directory, and have set up OneDrive on all the office computers (All relatively new Core i5/i7s, running Windows 10 pro, fully patched, and Office 365 (E5 tier), fully patched). Three computers in the office, all have the same issue. 25MBps broadband connection, if that is somehow relevant.

Problem details: When browsing the Sharepoint directory in Windows explorer, the preview pane is blank if the file is on-demand (has a blue cloud icon next to it). If we download the file (either by opening it, giving it a hollow green checkmark, or by marking to keep it always in the device, getting a solid green checkmark), the preview pane works as usual. Preview pane works just fine for other local files (not in the sharepoint or onedrive directories). The missing preview pane behavior is the same on on-demand files in OneDrive (not sharepoint) directories.

I can use "Extra Large Icons" view to get something vaguely resembling a preview, and those icons populate just fine (it takes a moment for the thumbnails to download, but it's pretty close to instant). This works for some files, but for documents (whether PDF, DOCX, or XLSX), there's just not enough detail there. 

I would assume this is not possible, but the above-referenced post explicitly says that we should be able to preview these file types on on-demand files. 

I've been searching through the forums and web, but can't seem to find a solution. Any ideas?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-16T18:18:44+00:00

    Hi Smitty,

       I did the steps in the second link, but the first one doesn't seem at all relevant to the issue. Please note that two of the computers facing this problem didn't have any connection to OneDrive before - they're basically clean installs. Either way, I did what the instructions suggest - untick all the folders, clear out the recycling bin, and reconnected. Still have the same problem. 

       Digging a bit deeper into the thread, I noticed that their solution was basically to disable files on demand. That's not a solution. Per the post linked in my original question, files on demand are supposed to allow for preview. Downloading the entire collection (~140GB) onto each and every computer defeats the purpose of cloud storage, and isn't really a solution. Do you know if the preview of files on demand just doesn't work, and the MS post is incorrect? That's the only thing I can think of at the moment.

    Any other ideas?

    Thank you!

    Patrick

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-01-15T22:43:59+00:00

    Sorry, my post submitted prior to my adding the following link regarding preview.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-01-15T00:41:35+00:00

    If you've downloaded a file you've removed it from OneDrive.

    When you re-add the file it may take some time for the syncing to catch up.

    Are you using Windows 1809 version?

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-01-15T00:33:24+00:00

    Win 10 Pro, Version 1809, Build 17763.253. 

    OneDrive settings are set as recommended. OneDrive version is 2018, build 18.240.1202.0003.

    I've tried syncing the OneDrive files. I've tried removing the library and re-syncing. This happens with both the SP library and with straight OneDrive files. I've even tried it with a OneDrive account linked to a non-O365 account, just to be sure.

    The behavior is the same across all our computers (3 desktops and one laptop, all running the same version and build of windows and onedrive - just checked), and across all types of OneDrive sources. Cloud stored files are simply not showing up in preview. If I download a file, it is visible. If I then "free up space" and move the file back into cloud storage, the preview is gone.

    What could I be missing?

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  5. Anonymous
    2019-01-14T22:09:01+00:00

    Hi PKolasinski,

    Which version of Windows are you using?

    Start > Type Winver > Press Enter

    The window will reveal the OS Build and Version

    In OneDrive Settings tab, select the Save space and download files as you use them box.

    Click Ok

    Have you tried syncing the OneDrive files?

    https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Sync-S...

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