4. Run the Files and Folders Troubleshooter on Windows 11
The files and folders troubleshooter is a built-in tool of Windows 11 that can help you fix issues related to files and folders on your computer. The files and folders troubleshooter can help you resolve thumbnails not showing up in Windows 11. To run the files and folders troubleshooter in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and type Troubleshoot settings. Select Troubleshoot settings from the search results.
- In the Troubleshoot settings window that appears, click on the Additional troubleshooters on the right part.
- Under the Find and fix other problems section, click on File and Folder Troubleshooter and click on Run the troubleshooter.
- In the File and Folder Troubleshooter window that appears, follow the given instructions to start the troubleshooting process. The files and folders troubleshooter will scan your system and try to fix detected problems automatically. If there is a problem that requires your intervention, you will be asked to select the appropriate option.
- After you run the files and folders troubleshooter in Windows 11, you should see thumbnails appear on your computer. If not, try the next way.
5. Resize Thumbnails in Windows 11
Thumbnails are small image sizes that display a preview of a file or folder on your computer. Thumbnail size can affect the performance and appearance of thumbnails in Windows 11. If the thumbnail size is too large or too small, thumbnails may not appear in Windows 11. To resize thumbnails in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and click on the three-dot button at the top.
- Click on Options from the menu that appears.
- In the Folder Options window that appears, click on the View tab.
- Under the Advanced settings section, look for the Adjust thumbnail size option and slide the slider to resize the thumbnails to your liking. You can choose between Small, Medium, Large, or Extra large.
- Click on the Apply and OK to save changes.
Once you resize thumbnails in Windows 11, see thumbnails appear on your computer. If not, try the next way.
6. Change Performance Mode in Windows 11
Performance mode is a setting that affects how fast and smoothly your computer runs. Performance mode could affect thumbnails not appearing in Windows 11. If the performance mode is too low, thumbnails may not appear in Windows 11 because the system saves resources. To change the performance mode in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and type Power & sleep settings. Select Power & sleep settings from the search results.
- In the Power & sleep settings window that appears, click on Additional power settings on the right part.
- In the Power Options window that appears, click on Change plan settings next to the power plan you are currently using.
- In the Change settings for the plan window that appears, click on Change advanced power settings.
- In the next Power Options window, expand the Visual Effects category and click on Settings.
- In the Performance Options window that appears, select the Adjust for best appearance or Custom option. If you select the Custom option, check the Show thumbnails instead of icons option.
- Click on the Apply and OK to save changes.
After you change the performance mode in Windows 11, see thumbnails appear on your computer. If not, try the next way.