How to fix preview pane not working in Windows 11

One of the features that comes with Windows File Explorer is the preview pane, which shows a preview of the file you selected. This means you can view the contents of the file before opening it. File Explorer's preview pane provides previews for different types of files such as Office-related documents, PDFs, text files, images, and videos. It usually works fine, but sometimes the file preview isn't available. Recently, many Windows 11 users have raised an issue where File Explorer’s preview pane is not working and they are unable to view file previews.

Are you facing the issue of preview pane not working on your Windows computer? Then, continue reading this article. Here, we have compiled a list of troubleshooting methods that can help you fix preview pane on PC.

Fix 1 – Make sure the preview pane is enabled

1. Press the Windows E key combination to open File Explorer.

2. Click at the top to view the menu.

3. Select option Show to open a new submenu.

4. In the submenu that opens, make sure the "Preview Pane" option is selected.

#5. After selecting this option, you will be able to see the preview pane on the right side of the explorer.

NOTE: Maximize File Explorer so that the preview pane is visible.

Fix 2 – Enable Preview Handler

1. Press the Windows key and type File Explorer in the Windows search box .

2. Select the optionFile Explorer.

3. Click the three horizontal dots at the top next to the view to see more options.

4. In the menu that opens, select Options to view the Folder Options window.

5. Select to view the tab.

6. In the Advanced Settings section, under the Files and Folders heading, check Show preview processing in the preview pane Programoptions.

7. Click Apply and then click OK to save the changes.

8.Restart File Explorer to check if the preview pane is working properly.

Fix 3 – Turn off Show Icon Settings

1. Press the Windows key and type Folder Options in the Windows search bar.

2. Click File Explorer Options in the search results to open the Folder Options window.

3. Go to to view the tab.

4. In the Advanced Settings section, check Always show icons, never thumbnails under Files and Folders The box associated with the option.

5. Click Apply and then click OK.

#6. Close and open File Explorer to check if you can see a preview of the selected file.

Fix 4 – Modify File Explorer’s startup mode

1. Open File Explorer’s Folder Options as described above.

2. Select the General tab in the Folder Options window.

3. Use the drop-down box related to "Open File Explorer to:" and select the option This PC.

4. Click Apply and then click OK to confirm the changes.

5.Restart File Explorer and check if the problem is resolved.

Fix 5 – Change System Performance Mode in Advanced System Settings

1. Press Windows R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to open system properties.

3. In the System Properties window, select the Advanced tab.

4. Now, click on the Settings button in the Performance section.

5. In the Performance Options window, make sure you are in the Visual Effects tab.

6. Here, select the Adjust for best appearance option.

7. Click Apply and then click OK.

8.Restart File Explorer to check if the file preview is visible.

Fix 6 - Perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan

1. Open Run using the Windows and R key combination.

2. Type cmd and press Ctrl Shift Enter to run the command prompt as administrator.

3. Type the command mentioned below and press Enter to execute it.

sfc /scannow

4. Wait for some time until the scan is completed. It will check for any corrupted files and repair them.

5.Restart the system after scanning. Check whether the problem is solved after the system is started.

Fix 7 – Reset File Explorer Settings

1. Press Windows R to openRun.

2. Type Control Folder and press Enter to open Folder Options.

3. In the General tab, click the Restore Defaults button to reset the general settings.

4. Select to view the tab. Here, click Restore Defaults to reset File Explorer advanced settings.

5. Click Apply, and then click OK.

6.Restart File Explorer and check if the problem is resolved.

If none of the fixes mentioned in the article work and you still can't view the preview pane, try using some alternative third-party apps from the store, such as QuickLook. Such applications will allow you to preview files.

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