Saved as a PDF but the file isn't visible to access in File Explorer

[Kathryn24498874e50r]

I file save as to create a PDF (in MSWord) but then cannot see the file via File Explorer or Insert File through Adobe.  If I go back to MSWord and go to File Save As again, I can see the file is there. It tells me the file already exists and do I want to save over. I can also see it through Teams and Sharepoint.  So why can't I access through File Explorer or Adobe?  This has been going for weeks now and it's slowing my work down. I had to shut down and restart this morning three times to get access to three files that I needed urgently to finish a job. 

[creative explorer]

@Kathryn24498874e50r in Microsoft Word, under Document Properties, you can 'Save preview picture with this document' — which means, 'you can see a thumbnail of the document.' Therefore, while in File Explorer, when you view files as icons, you SHOULD see a thumbnail preview of the document.

File - Properties

[Kathryn24498874e50r]

Thanks for that.  But if I save as PDF, that option is removed.  The problem exists with Save as PDF.   If I am saving as a document there is no problem.  

K.

[creative explorer]

@Kathryn24498874e50r interesting....because I tried again. 

• I created a new document
• Went into File - Properties. Made sure 'Save preview picture with this document' is still checked.
• Save As - Saved as a PDF
• Went to my desktop, could see the thumbnail
  
  

So, in File Explorer...watch 'Fix Thumbnails Not Showing on Windows 11'

[Kathryn24498874e50r]

No, still doesn't work.  I don't actually want to see the thumbnail. I would be happy just to see the file name listed.  That's the problem - there is nothing there at all, even in list version.  I think it's an office issue.

[creative explorer]

@Kathryn24498874e50r sorry, I literally read the post wrong...i thought it was thumbnail...or my brain is telling me thumbnail! In that case, I know when I upload files from a Mac to the school's server, I have to use the PC. On my Mac, we don't see the hidden files. But, on a PC, you can see the hidden files...which means I need to delete the hidden files for my students. But, sometimes, on my user account, I have this option turned off...

In your File Explorer, make sure that the hidden files and folders is 'checked' to be visible in File Explorer. 

[radzmar]

I don't see any relation to Acorbat Reader here. When your file explorer doesn't show the created files, there's already something wrong with your operating system. Maybe a prending update is waiting for a reboot or so.