Disable Thumbnail Previews in Windows 11

By default, Windows 11 generates thumbnail previews for images, videos, and documents to help you identify files quickly. However, turning these previews off can improve File Explorer loading speeds, reduce system resource usage, and protect your privacy. This guide outlines three fast, reliable methods to disable thumbnail previews and display generic file icons instead: using File Explorer Options, the Local Group Policy Editor, and the Windows Registry.

Method 1: Using File Explorer Options (Easiest)

  1. Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Click the three dots (…) (See more menu) on the top command bar and select Options.
  3. In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab.
  4. Under the Files and Folders section, check the box next to Always show icons, never thumbnails.
  5. Click Apply, then click OK to save your changes.

File Explorer will immediately replace all thumbnail previews with their default file type icons.

Method 2: Using the Local Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, & Education)

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the left sidebar, navigate to the following path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
  3. In the right-hand pane, locate and double-click the policy named Turn off the display of thumbnails and only display icons.
  4. Select the Enabled option at the top left of the policy window.
  5. Click Apply, then click OK.
  6. Restart your computer or restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager for the policy to take effect.

Method 3: Using the Windows Registry (All Windows 11 Editions)

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  3. In the right pane, look for a DWORD (32-bit) Value named IconsOnly. If it does not exist, right-click an empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it IconsOnly.
  4. Double-click IconsOnly, change its Value data from 0 to 1, and click OK.
  5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC or File Explorer.

To revert back to displaying thumbnails at any time, change the IconsOnly value back to 0, or uncheck the option in File Explorer Options.