thumbnail previews Archives

Winsage

March 8, 2025

The Windows 11 Beta will finally bring peace to your chaotic file organization

The Windows 11 Beta has introduced a "Recommended Files" section in File Explorer, available in Beta build 22635.5025, which allows users to quickly access relevant files based on recent activities. This section displays a carousel of thumbnail previews of frequently used, recently downloaded, or added files. It is accessible to all Windows Insiders signed in with personal Microsoft or local accounts, although residents of the European Economic Area may not have immediate access. Additionally, the Beta version highlights commonly snapped applications in the Start menu, providing shortcuts for users to launch pairs of applications that they frequently use side by side.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5025 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5025 (KB5053661) has been released to the Beta Channel for users who have not transitioned to Windows 11, version 24H2. New features include recommended files in File Explorer, which displays frequently used and recently downloaded files, and a feature in the Start menu that recommends snap groups of apps. Enhanced support for web search providers in Windows Search for the EEA has also been implemented. Fixes include resolving an issue causing File Explorer to close slowly. Known issues involve delays in displaying app icons in the Start menu and the organization of Windows Tools related apps. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053661 beta brings a new Start menu feature that snaps apps together

Microsoft has released build 22635.5025 for Windows 11 23H2 in the Beta channel for Insiders, identified under KB5053661. This update introduces a Recommended files feature in File Explorer, accessible to Insiders with personal or local Microsoft accounts, showcasing relevant files based on user activity. Users with work or school accounts will receive additional recommendations, though this feature is not yet available in the European Economic Area. The Start menu now suggests snap groups of recommended apps for improved multitasking. A fix has been implemented to address lag issues in File Explorer when closing the application. Known issues include delays in app icon appearance in the Start menu and the organization of Windows Tools related apps into folders. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

How to disable File Explorer thumbnails on Windows 11

Windows 11 features a modern File Explorer that displays thumbnails for quick previews of files, folders, documents, images, and videos, which can speed up file location but may slow browsing speeds due to the need to scan and render previews. To manage thumbnail previews in File Explorer: 1. Open File Explorer. 2. Click "See more" and choose Options. 3. Click the View tab. - To disable: Check "Always show icons, never thumbnails." - To enable: Clear "Always show icons, never thumbnails." 4. Click Apply, then OK. To manage thumbnail previews through Settings: 1. Open Settings. 2. Click on System, then the About page. 3. Click Advanced system settings. 4. Click the Advanced tab, then Settings under "Performance." 5. Click the Visual Effects tab. - To disable: Clear "Show thumbnails instead of icons." - To enable: Check "Show thumbnails instead of icons." 6. Click Apply, then OK. To control thumbnail previews via Group Policy: 1. Open Start, search for gpedit, and open the Group Policy Editor. 2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer. 3. Right-click "Turn off the display of thumbnails and only display icons" and select Edit. - To disable: Choose Enabled. - To enable: Choose Not configured. 4. Click Apply, then OK. To use the Registry to disable or re-enable thumbnail previews: 1. Open Start, search for regedit, and open the Registry Editor. 2. Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer. 3. Right-click the Explorer key, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. 4. Name it DisableThumbnails and press Enter. 5. Right-click the DWORD, select Modify, and change the value from 0 to 1. 6. Repeat for HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer. 7. Restart the computer for changes to take effect. To revert, change the DWORD value back to 0.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

What’s new on File Explorer on Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2)

File Explorer in Windows 11 version 24H2 will feature a new wizard for creating and extracting various archive formats, including Tar, 7z, and Zip files, accessible via the context menu. The wizard allows for multiple compression methods and retains hard and symbolic links. Thumbnail previews will show the name of the focused tab and the total number of open tabs, and users can now view and edit metadata for ".png" files. The Home page has been redesigned, merging "Favorites" and "Recent" into a tabbed interface and adding a "Shared" tab. Users can share files more easily with connected Android devices, and if linked, access phone storage through File Explorer. Additionally, users can drag and drop files in the address bar and duplicate tabs, along with various performance improvements.