How to fix Word file preview error in Explorer

Windows Explorer has a Preview Pane that allows you to preview any file, including Word documents. However, this feature doesn't always work well, and you may encounter problems with Word previews not appearing in Explorer. Here's how to fix Word preview problems in Explorer.

Turn on preview mode in Explore

If Explorer isn't previewing Word files, you may have accidentally turned off preview, so double-check that it's turned on.

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

Adjust Word Trust Center settings

Step 1:

Open the Word file , click File, select Options . Then select Trust Center in the menu on the left of the interface.

Then look to the side and select Trust Center Settings .

Step 2:

In Protected View you look to the side and uncheck all the boxes but be aware this can expose your device to potential security threats if you download dangerous or corrupted files.

Adjust Windows default applications

Go to Settings on your computer, then click on Apps and select Default apps .

Now you enter the .doc file format and have Word selected as the default application to open the file . If not, reset to always open .doc files with the Word application on your computer.