How to Turn Off File Explorer Thumbnails Windows 11

Overview

This guide explains how to turn off file explorer thumbnails Windows 11 in clear, practical terms. It covers the key concepts, recommended steps, common limitations, and useful checks so you can make a better-informed decision.

Like previous versions of Windows, Windows 11 displays thumbnails to preview the contents of files, folders, documents, images or videos. Due to personal privacy or some other reason, many people want to turn off File Explorer thumbnails on Windows 11. Below are instructions to turn off File Explorer thumbnails on Windows 11.

How to turn off File Explorer thumbnails Windows 11

Step 1:

First, access File Explorer on Windows 11, then click on the 3-dot icon and select Options.

Step 2:

To display the new custom interface, we click on the View tab then check the option below Always show icons, never thumbnails.

Finally, click Apply to apply this change.

How to turn off Windows File Explorer thumbnails via Settings

Step 1:

Press the Windows + I key combination to open Settings on Windows 11. Next, select System in the left menu, then look to the right and click About.

Step 2:

Switch to the new interface, the user clicks on the Advanced system settings option.

In the new interface as shown, the user clicks on the Advanced tab and then clicks on Settings.

Step 3:

Next, click on the Visual Effects tab and uncheck Show thumbnails instead of icons.

After you complete the steps, File Explorer will no longer show previews for files and folders.

Key Takeaways

Use the guidance above as a practical reference for how to turn off thumbnail file explorer Windows 11. Check compatibility, follow the steps carefully, and verify important details with official documentation when software, security, accounts, health, or purchases are involved.