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How to fix preview functionality missing for PDF file types after Folder Options are done?

Anonymous
2023-06-08T03:45:08+00:00

I need help to Preview PDFs with File Explorer but below steps are not working.

[Fix] PDF Thumbnail and Preview Not Showing in Explorer

Preliminary step – Enable thumbnails and preview handlers in Explorer

  1. Open Folder Options
  2. Enable “Show preview handlers in preview pane”
  3. Uncheck “Always show icons, never thumbnails

If thumbnail and preview functionality is still missing for PDF file types, proceed to the next step.

Microsoft PowerToys is not acceptable alternative because it is not approved; my guess is PowerToys utility could wreak havoc within the Windows operating system; as such, novice users have often been encouraged to use caution.

Risk of PowerToys for novice

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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-06-13T03:29:29+00:00

    Hi Panes-rubic,
    I'm Sumit, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

    See if changing the default PDF reader to MS Edge helps you restore thumbnails.

    Powertoys is an entirely safe utility, the internet also claims updating Windows is risky, too that does not mean it is true.

    You can turn off every utility except Thumbnail if you don't need it.

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

    Hope that helps, and rely on us for any further inquiries. All the best.

    Hi Sumit,

    To respond to your suggestion "if changing the default PDF reader to MS Edge helps you restore thumbnails.", I did not get improvement.

    Would you advise where to find why your suggestion may work?

    Is my screenshot what you meant?

    ![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/9d7c1241-6031-4c1c-88f3-54f558c0e7ca?platform=QnA

    Was this answer helpful?

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