Thumbnails not showing Windows 11 - Pictures folder

Question

Hi there,

So in my Pictures folder, I used to see all the images as thumbnails, as I should.

Now, some images are showing as usual, then there's a bunch not showing.

All I did was update Windows, sheesh, it's like living in a rocket with Microsoft, one moment you're headed in the right direction, galaxy etc, next you're hurtling into the Sun.

BTW, I've tried all the "fixes", open options, open properties, make sure x is unchecked, delete storage cache, temporary that is and and other, sdn scan, I mean what else is there?

Wouldn't you think Microsoft would want you to see your images as a thumbnail? Seems logical to me, anywho, does anyone know (coz Microsoft doesn't) what fix there is to get the annoying issue sorted? Or, better still, what download cleaner rearranger there is to force a user to enjoy their Windows 11 experience. (Rhetorical)

Answer 1

Hi Greg,

Thank you so much. An excellent and detailed answer, very very helpful, cheers.

I went through every step and found that none of those solutions worked for me. Here's what did, by accident.

The entire issue/problem was caused by OneDrive. I had not noticed that OneDrive Sync was activated and had taken all my Pictures from the Pictures folder and placed them into OneDrive. OneDrive was supposed to 'backup' that folder, instead, OneDrive shifted all the files to the MS Cloud completely.

So clicking through to OneDrive 'Pictures', the folder at MS would not show the thumbnails, which caused my concern.

So I moved all the files from MS OneDrive Cloud 'Pictures' back to my 'Pictures' folder on my hard drive. Took about 2 hours, but they are there now.

I have today, uninstalled OneDrive and will not be activating this incredibly disruptive program again.

Thank you for your time and efforts in helping me with the 'missing thumbnail' problem, you're an excellent Independent Advisor.

/// The New Issue - Multiple Photoshop Programs Staying

I'll ask you your opinion with this one, as you're the guy that gets things done.

Please shift this issue/problem to whatever category you deem it to be listed in.

I have multiple listings of Photoshop in my Program and features Control Panel. These programs are taking up valuable space and although have been uninstalled, are still showing as installed even though they are not. These mystery installs take 10GB of space from my drive, which I cannot spare.

Is there a fix for this stuck situation? Please advise.

Answer 2

Thank you ZAAAX for the info about OneDrive. That was the same issue I had. When setting up my new PC and copying files from external drive I did not realize it put everything under OneDrive rather that in my local Documents folder. I moved everything and now working fine.

Microsoft really needs to fix that - there should be an expressed opt-in to have all your files going to OneDrive. Microsoft - you can do much better to make it clear.

Answer 3

Thanks a lot.

I uninstalled Onedrive and viola... all my thumbnails are back too.

Much appreciated.

Regards,

Arup

Answer 4

Hi Zaaax. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Try all fixes to get thumbnails back instead of icons in Windows 11:

1. Go into Settings > System > Storage, Settings > System > Storage > Configure Storage Space > Free Up Space Now > Clean Now.

https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/...

https://www.droidwin.com/fix-thumbnails-not-app...

https://www.guidingtech.com/top-ways-to-fix-thu...

https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-folder-thu...

Aviud

https://www.free-online-converters.com/blog/fix...

https://ugetfix.com/ask/how-to-fix-windows-has-...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8XoPgwDI6w

3. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:

https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-spe...

4. The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU https://www.wagnardsoft.com/content/ddu-guide-t... (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or install in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

Then watch WIndows Updates which may push a new monitor driver based on the display driver you now have installed.

5. Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

6. If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...

Feel free to ask back any questions. If you'll report back results for each step, including in each link, it can help determine what else we need to try. I will stick with you until it is fixed.

______________________________________________

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Answer 5

Right no idea if this will help anyone , i went thru all the advanced settings mentioned in previous posts , i wanted thumbnails of loads a short animation vids ,nothing really worked . i use vlc player to play normally no thumbnails would show etc etc , anyway i decided to open one of the .mpg files in "film and Tv " supplied with win 10 and 11 it said i needed to download a codec ,(sorry no idea what the codec was or is ) i did , vid played but the folder suddenly went from icons to thumbnails , everything working great , i didnt set film and tv as default stays with vlc but now ive got thumbnails in folders . hope this helps someone