How to delete thumbs.db file on Windows 10

On Windows 10, thumbs.db are hidden files created when using Thumbnails Preview (thumbnail preview) for folders in File Explorer.

Although these files are harmless, they can sometimes cause problems. For example, if you moved content from a Windows 10 device to a shared network, then you want to delete the folder, you'll get the message 'The action can't be completed because the file is open in Windows Explorer ' , which involves the thumbs.db file preventing you from deleting the directory.

In this tutorial, you are guided step by step to delete thumbs.db file and remove network folders on Windows 10.

How to delete thumbs.db file with File Explorer

To delete file thumbs.db:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the directory you want to delete.

3. Click the View tab .

4. Select the Hidden items option .

5. In the Layout section, select the Details view option .

6. Select file thumbs.db.

7. Click the Delete button from the View tab .

8. Click the Yes button .

When you complete the steps, the thumbs.db file will be deleted without a problem. However, if the steps above do not work, you can switch to another view, then select the Details view again .

How to delete thumbs.db file by turning off Preview Cashing

In case thumbs.db cannot be deleted, you can try disabling the Thumbnail Previews feature on Windows 10.

Disable thumbs.db with Group Policy

To disable thumbs.db cache writing for network folders, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for gpedit and click on the first result, open Group Policy Editor .

3. Click User Configuration from the left panel.

4. Browse to the following link:

 Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer 

5. Double-click the policy Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files .

6. Select the Enabled option to turn off the feature.

7. Click the Apply button .

8. Click the OK button .

9. Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, you should now be able to delete the thumbs.db file.

Disable thumbs.db with the Registry

1. Open Start.

2. Search for regedit , right-click on the top result and select the option Run as administrator .

3. Browse the following link:

 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows 

4. Right-click on the Windows folder, select New and click Key.

5. Name the key Explorer and press Enter .

6. Right-click the newly created key and select New , then click the DWORD (32-bit) Value option .

7. Double click on the newly created DWORD and change its value from 0 to 1 .

8. Click the OK button .

9. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the new settings will apply and you will now be able to delete the thumbs.db file without the message 'The action can't be completed because the file is open in Windows Explorer' .