Instructions for 4 ways to preview files without opening them on Windows 11

If you are looking for a specific file in a folder with many files, you can use the file preview to quickly see the contents of the file without opening it. Windows 11 supports us in many ways to preview files without opening them on Windows 11, such as using the Preview Pane on the computer. Here are 4 ways to preview files without opening them on Windows 11.

Preview files without opening them with Preview Pane

The built-in File Explorer app in Windows 11 offers a preview pane feature that lets you preview files in the file manager. This pane appears on the right sidebar of the app and lets you preview photos, videos, PDFs, and even Microsoft Word files.

1. How to Show File Explorer Preview Pane on Windows 10/11

Preview files without opening them with QuickLook

On Mac, to preview a file, simply select a file and press the Spacebar key. If you want to use this feature on Windows, install the QuickLook application. The application allows you to view the contents of your file by pressing the Spacebar key.

1. How to bring Mac OS Quick Look preview feature to Windows 10

Zoom in on a file icon to see its contents.

One little trick is that if you zoom in on the file icon you can see the content inside, but that only applies to images.

In case you do not see the file preview, you need to adjust the settings on your computer. Click on the 3-dot icon in the File Explorer interface and select Options in the displayed list. Next, we click on the View tab and turn off the Always Show Icons, Never Thumbnails option.

Using PowerToys' Peek feature

First, download the PowerToys application from the link below and install it on your computer as usual.

1. Windows 11 PowerToys Installation Guide

Then go to the folder containing the file, press Ctrl+Space. You will see a preview of the file in a new window.

David Pac

Update 26 May 2025