How to Turn Off File Preview in File Explorer
Are you tired of the intrusive file preview feature in Windows File Explorer? It can be quite annoying when you open a folder and the preview pane automatically displays a preview of the first few files. If you’re looking for a way to disable this feature, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to turn off file preview in File Explorer on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
1. Accessing File Explorer Settings
The first step to disable file preview is to access the File Explorer settings. You can do this by following these simple steps:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Click on the “View” tab at the top of the window.
3. In the “Layout” group, click on “Options.”
2. Disabling File Preview
Once you have accessed the File Explorer Options, you can proceed to disable file preview:
1. In the File Explorer Options window, select the “View” tab.
2. Look for the “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option under the “Files and Folders” section.
3. Check the box next to this option to disable file preview.
3. Applying the Changes
After selecting the “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes. The next time you open File Explorer, you should no longer see the file preview feature.
4. Alternative Method: Using Group Policy
If you’re using a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Professional, Enterprise, or Education edition, you can also disable file preview using the Group Policy Editor:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to “User Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “File Explorer.”
4. Double-click on “Disable preview for file types” in the right pane.
5. Select “Enabled” and click “OK” to apply the changes.
5. Restart File Explorer
To ensure that the changes take effect, restart File Explorer by closing all open File Explorer windows and then opening them again.
Conclusion
Turning off file preview in File Explorer can be a great way to declutter your interface and improve your productivity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable the file preview feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Enjoy a cleaner and more focused File Explorer experience!
