How to get Preview pane on Window 11 Explorer

Question

I use the preview pane extensively in Windows Explorer. In Win10 Explorer, it was relatively easy to access, and you could also pin it to the QAT.

Win 11, explorer, this option disappeared.

Recently, I have see at the top of explorer, seemingly randomly changing between Preview, Details and also OneDrive.

How do I force Explorer to show the Preview shortcut, not Details or OneDrive?

***Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office / Excel / For business / Windows***

Answer 1

Hi D_D #_# -_#,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I can help you with getting the preview pane on Windows 11 Explorer. You can show or hide the preview pane from the File Explorer command bar. To do this, open File Explorer, click on View on the command bar, and check (show) or uncheck (hide) Preview pane for what you want.

I hope this helps you get the preview pane on Windows 11 Explorer. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

preview is not to be seen. It is opening in another window.

Answer 3

I've done what you said. Under View, I've clicked on navigation pane - the words, the dot, the icon. The Preview Pane will not go away. (Windows 11)

Answer 4

I'm sorry. I misspoke. I meant to say that I've clicked on the Preview Pane.

Answer 5

I found the same, clicking on the checkbox item next to 'preview' or 'details' doesn't deselect that option or hide the preview/details pane.

Instead, there's an icon on the far right of the same menubar, which toggles visibility of the extra pane.