Deactivate thumbnails in Windows Explorer - how it works
By deactivating the preview images in Windows Explorer, additional resources can be freed up on your computer. This is particularly useful for older computers. This practical tip shows you how to switch off the function.
Windows Explorer: Disable thumbnails in Windows 7
- Open a new window in Windows Explorer, for example "My Pictures".
- Click "Organize" in the top left.
- Select "Folder and search options" in the menu.
- A new window is opening up. Switch to the "View" tab.
- Check the "Always show icons instead of thumbnails" option.
- As soon as you click "OK", the preview images are deactivated.
Turn off thumbnails in Windows 8 and Windows 10
- Open any folder in Windows Explorer again.
- Here you click on "View" in the upper tab.
- Another toolbar appears. Select the "Options" on the far right.
- Then open the "Folder Options" and click on the "View" tab.
- Now check the box "Always show symbols instead of thumbnails" and confirm everything with "OK".
You can also display the hidden files under Windows 7.