Preview Pane Not Working, How to Fix Preview Pane Not Working?

Preview Pane not working may be fixed by adjusting settings, handling unsupported file types, resolving corrupted system files, or addressing other technical issues.

by Indraprakash | Updated Dec 14, 2023

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Preview Pane Not Working

A Preview Pane is a helpful feature in computer programs like File Explorer in Windows or email clients such as Microsoft Outlook. It allows you to quickly see the contents of files or emails without opening them. For instance, in File Explorer.

The Preview Pane is like a side panel that displays a preview of selected files like pictures, videos, text, or PDFs. In email clients like Outlook, it's called the Reading Pane, positioned at the bottom for reading emails without opening them separately.

At times, there can be issues with the Preview Pane, especially on Windows 10 or 11 computers. This means that the feature may not work correctly. It's like when you want to take a quick look at what's inside a file without opening it, but the Preview Pane isn't functioning as expected. This can be frustrating because the Preview Pane is designed to make your experience smoother by allowing you to glance at file content without opening each file individually.

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Causes of Preview Pane Not Working

The Preview Pane not working can happen for different reasons. Here are some simple explanations:

  • Misconfigured Settings: The way your computer is set up might be causing the Preview Pane to not work. It could be that some options are not turned on or are set up in a way that prevents the preview feature from functioning properly.
  • Unsupported File Types: Some files may not be compatible with the Preview Pane. If you're trying to preview a type of file that the computer doesn't recognize or support, it might not show a preview.
  • Corrupted System Files: There could be issues with essential files on your computer. If these files are damaged or not working correctly, it can affect features like the Preview Pane.
  • Other Technical Reasons: There might be other technical reasons, like problems with how your computer is managing resources or handling specific tasks. These issues can sometimes impact the Preview Pane functionality.

How to Fix Preview Pane Not Working?

If the Preview Pane is not working on your Windows 10 or 11 computer, here's a guide to help you fix it:

Enable Preview Pane:

  • Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  • Click on the View menu, go to Show, and check the Preview pane option.
  • The preview pane will appear on the right side of the File Explorer window.

Check File Explorer Options:

  • Right-click the Start icon, select File Explorer.
  • Click the three-dot menu, choose Options.
  • In the File Explorer Options window, go to the View tab and tick 'Show preview handlers in the preview pane'.
  • Uncheck 'Always show icons, never thumbnails', then click Apply and OK. Restart File Explorer.

Restart Windows Explorer:

  • Right-click the Start icon, select Task Manager.
  • In the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart.
  • The Taskbar will briefly disappear and reappear. Check if the preview pane is working.

Tweak Performance Options:

  • Open Settings, go to System, and select About.
  • Click on Advanced system settings.
  • In the Performance Options window, choose 'Adjust for best appearance', then click Apply and OK.

Open File Explorer to This PC:

  • Search for File Explorer Options, open it.
  • Change 'Open File Explorer to' to This PC. Click Apply and OK.

Check Default App for File Type:

  • Open Settings, go to the Apps tab, and click on Default apps.
  • Type the file extension for the problematic file type, select the appropriate app, and set it as default.

Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan:

  • Search for cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
  • Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. Follow any instructions to fix errors. Restart your PC.

Reset File Explorer Settings:

  • Search for File Explorer Options, open it.
  • Under the General tab, click Restore Defaults. Switch to the View tab, click Restore Defaults. Click Apply and OK. Restart File Explorer.

Use Microsoft PowerToys:

  • Download and install PowerToys.
  • Open PowerToys, go to the File Explorer add-ons tab, and enable all toggles under Preview Pane.

Following these steps should help you resolve issues with the Preview Pane on Windows and restore the ability to preview files without opening each one individually.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

Preview Pane Not Working - FAQs

1. Why is my Preview Pane not working?

It could be due to misconfigured settings, unsupported file types, or issues with system files.

2. How can I enable the Preview Pane?

Open File Explorer, click View, and check the Preview Pane option.

3. What if the Preview Pane is enabled but still not working?

Check File Explorer options, ensure preview handlers are enabled, and restart Windows Explorer.

4. Can performance settings affect the Preview Pane?

Yes, tweaking performance options might impact the Preview Pane's functionality.

5. Is there a solution if the Preview Pane doesn't support certain file types?

You can use Microsoft PowerToys to enable preview for unsupported file types.