Windows Explorer preview pane not displaying previews of PDFs

[graham_6561]

I am unable to view previews of adobe PDF documents in the preview pane in Windows Explorer on my computer (i.e. local drive or network drive) unless it is via my OneDrive folder.

When trying to view files on WE that are on local or network drives, the preview plane is blank and contains no error message or warning.

I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling adobe and my IT department have tried various fixes such as deleting temporary files, editing the registry, and editing local adobe acrobat settings. None of these fixes have worked.

[Tariq Ahmad Dar]

Hi @graham_6561, 

Thanks for reaching out, and sorry to hear you’re experiencing issues with PDF previews in Windows Explorer.

This issue is typically related to the PDF Shell Extension, which Acrobat uses to generate thumbnail and preview pane content in File Explorer.

Please try the following steps:

1. Repair or Reinstall the Shell Extension

• Open Acrobat.

• Go to Help > Repair Installation (Windows only).

• After repair, restart your system and check if previews return.

2. Ensure Preview Handler is Enabled

• Open Adobe Acrobat.

• Go to Edit > Preferences > General.

• Ensure “Enable PDF thumbnail previews in Windows Explorer” is checked.

• Click OK and restart your computer.

 

3. Verify Default App Settings

• Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default Apps.

• Ensure Adobe Acrobat (or Acrobat Reader) is set as the default app for opening PDFs.

 

4. Check Windows Preview Pane Settings

• Open a File Explorer window.

• Go to the View tab and ensure “Preview pane” is enabled.

• Also, verify the preview works with other file types to rule out a system-level issue.

If the issue still persists, please let us know:

• Your version of Windows (e.g., Windows 11 23H2),

• Your version of Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, and

• Whether you recently installed or updated either application.

We’ll be happy to assist you further.

~Tariq

[graham_6561]

Hi Tariq,

My IT department have already tried these fixes and they didn't work in the past.

I tried them again just there and same result - not working.

Issue is still persisting, requested details:

Windows

Edition: Windows 11 Business

Version: 24H2

Installed on: 10/12/2024

OS build: 26100.4351

Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.107.0

Adobe:

Continuous Release

Version 2025.001.20531

64-bit

Recently repaired installation per your advice, carried out this morning