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laurenh22769
laurenh22769
Known Participant
September 9, 2025
Question

Windows 11 and PNG thumbnails

  • September 9, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 633 views

I'm not sure if this is a Windows issue or Microsoft. I just transferred everything to a new PC and cannot get any artwork/graphics saved as a PNG to show the thumbnails in file explorer. I have tried a few "fixes" found on the web but to no avail. I was wondering if anyone has had the same issue and found a fix that works. I uninstalled OneDrive, made sure the "always show icons, never thumbnails" is unchecked, cleared caches, etc. Nothing is working. Any help would be appreciated. 

3 replies

D Fosse
Community Expert
D FosseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 9, 2025

Windows Explorer displays PNG thumbnails, there shouldn't be any need for third party codecs. If it doesn't, something's wrong - but that would be on the Windows side, not Photoshop.

    laurenh22769
    laurenh22769Author
    Known Participant
    September 9, 2025

    So far none of the solutions have worked for Windows 11. I just transferred from a Win 10 computer to this new one with PC Mover so new nothing was added. 

    laurenh22769
    laurenh22769Author
    Known Participant
    September 10, 2025

    "I just transferred from a Win 10 computer to this new one with PC Mover so new nothing was added"

    That could be the cause of your issue


    I had a Windows 10 machine before so I needed to move all to Win 11 computer before Win 10 support is n/a. PC Mover transferred my art files, documents and installed software like Adobe. The OS was already in the computer and not moved. JPG and other thumbnails are fine. Just my PNG and my laser file thumbnails (Lightburn) not working...Not sure how your answer is helping me, though. 

    L
    Lucas.s.clark
    Participant
    September 9, 2025

    Hi @laurenh22769 

    Have you considered any third party software? I heard MysticThumbs has been a good tool to help present icons.

     

    laurenh22769
    laurenh22769Author
    Known Participant
    September 9, 2025

    Hi Lucas, Yes, I am actually looking at this now. All of my other image thumbnails, PDF and even Word have thumbnails. It's just my PNG art that I am most concerned with since I have lots of it and don't really want to open the folders in Bridge to view what I may need to place into PS or Illustrator. 

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    September 9, 2025

    Hey, @laurenh22769. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I'll help you figure this out.


    While I am unsure how this is related to Photoshop or Adobe, it would be appropriate to reach out to Microsoft for help with the Explorer. Here is a top conversation that I found on the internet that has an accepted answer: https://adobe.ly/4mRLqbX

     

    You can try Adobe Bridge from the Creative Cloud desktop app, and it should show you thumbnails of almost all creative file types. 

     

    Thanks!
    Sameer K
    (Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

    laurenh22769
    laurenh22769Author
    Known Participant
    September 9, 2025

    Hi @Sameer K 

     

    Yes, I have Bridge installed but when I am designing it's a bit counterproductive to go back and forth if you know what I mean. I did review the article, thank you. I even noticed some mf my taskbar icons are missing (like Fresco). The space is there and if I roll my arrow over the space it says it's there...just not visible. 

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