Change Performance ModeĪnother solution that has helped users is changing the Performance mode from ‘Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer’ to ‘Adjust for best appearance.’ Here are the steps to achieve that: When the Folder Options window opens, click on the drop-down box next to ‘Open File Explorer to’ under the General tab.

One of the solutions at Microsoft Forum suggests that making File Explorer open to This PC instead of Quick Access fixes the issues with the Preview pane.įor that, open the File Explorer Options window either from File Explorer or using search as we did above. Step 4: Click on Apply to save the changes. Step 3: Uncheck the box next to ‘Always show icons, never thumbnails.’ Step 2: When the Folder Options open, click on the View tab. Alternatively, search for File Explorer options in Windows search. Click on the View tab at the top, and then click on the Options icon at the end of the ribbon. You need to disable it for the Preview pane to show content. If that is enabled, the Preview pane will not show anything. In the Folder Options, you will find the ‘Always show icons, never thumbnails’ setting. The Preview pane should show you a preview of the relevant files.

Step 3: Under Advanced settings, check the box next to ‘Show preview handlers in preview pane’.

Step 2: The Folder options window will open. Step 1: Open File Explorer and click on the View tab. Enable Show Preview Handlersįrom the Folder Options, you need to enable the ‘Show preview handlers in preview pane’ setting for the proper functioning of the Preview pane.

To ensure the Preview pane works properly or not, use the Windows Explorer in maximized mode or ensure it’s wide enough to see the options in the View ribbon at the top. As soon as you turn it on, you should see the Preview pane on the right side of the File Explorer. In case it’s not, click on the Preview pane option to enable it. Check if the Preview Pane option appears highlighted to ensure it is enabled. For that, open File Explorer using the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut and maximize it to take the full screen.Ĭlick on the View tab at the top. You might have accidentally turned off the Preview pane in File Explorer.

Using preview on windows