Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10  

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    Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10

    Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10

    How to Clear and Reset the Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10
    Published by Category: Customization
    12 May 2021
    Designer Media Ltd

    How to Clear and Reset the Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10


    Windows keeps a copy of all your folder, picture, video, and document thumbnails in a cache so they can be reused to quickly display when you open a folder instead of having to manually scan and slowly load them each time.

    The thumbnail cache can sometimes become corrupted causing thumbnails to display incorrectly or distorted. When this happens, the thumbnail cache needs to be deleted to reset it and automatically recreate as needed.

    This tutorial will show you how to clear and reset the thumbnail cache for your account in Windows 10.

    The thumbnail cache .db files for each user is located in the hidden folder below.

    %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
    (C:\Users\{user-name}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer)



    Contents

    • Option One: To Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Disk Cleanup
    • Option Two: To Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache using a BAT file






    OPTION ONE

    To Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Disk Cleanup


    1 Open Disk Cleanup.

    2 Check the Thumbnails box, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

    Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10-disk_cleanup_thumbnail_cache-1.png

    3 Click/tap on Delete Files to confirm. (see screenshot below)

    Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10-disk_cleanup_thumbnail_cache-2.png

    4 When finished, restart the computer to fully apply.






    OPTION TWO

    To Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache using a BAT file


    1 Close and save anything that you are working on before proceeding. The next steps will involve restarting explorer.

    2 Do step 3 or step 4 below for which .bat file you would like to use.


    3 To Use a .bat file to Instantly Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache without Prompting

    A) Click/tap on the download button below to download the file below.

    Instant_Clear_and_Reset_Thumbnail_Cache.bat

    Download

    B) Save the .bat file to your desktop, and run the .bat file.

    C) If prompted, click/tap on Run to approve. If you like, you can unblock the .bat file to no longer get the Run (Open File - Security Warning) prompt.

    D) You will now notice your screen flash as a command prompt opens and closes to kill explorer, delete your thumbnail cache, and restart explorer.

    E) When finished, restart the computer to fully apply.


    4 To Use a .bat file to Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache with Prompting

    A) Click/tap on the download button below to download the file below.

    Prompt_to_Clear_and_Reset_Thumbnail_Cache.bat

    Download

    B) Save the .bat file to your desktop, and run the .bat file.

    C) If prompted, click/tap on Run to approve. If you like, you can unblock the .bat file to no longer get the Run (Open File - Security Warning) prompt.

    D) Follow the instructions in the command prompt to rebuild your thumbnail cache. (see screenshot below)

    Clear and Reset Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10-reset_thumbnail_cache_command.png

    E) When finished, restart the computer to fully apply.


    That's it,
    Shawn






  1. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro x64 Build 14393.0 Slow Ring
       #1

    Brink,

    Is there a way to prevent the thumbnail database cache from being deleted during reboots for specific folders? My music is organized by album with artwork displayed on each folder. It is annoying to have to wait for it to rebuild after every restart, etc.

    Thanks!

    DB

    Edit: Found this:

    Prevent Windows 8 File Explorer From Deleting Image Thumbnail Cache

    Thanks!
    Last edited by Doverboy; 19 Jan 2016 at 08:58.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Hello DB, :)

    The only problem with that is Windows will also no longer be able to update the thumbnail cache after using the method you posted.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro x64 Build 14393.0 Slow Ring
       #3

    Ugh. That's not going to work, then. Any solution or should I just deal with the cache reloading every time? Thanks!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    It depends on how often you add to the folder. If often, then you'll be better to not use the method you posted.

    Personally, I wouldn't recommend the method for that very reason.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro x64 Build 14393.0 Slow Ring
       #5

    Thanks, Brink. Much appreciated...

    I'm hoping you keep a side journal to track issues like this!

    Be well!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Yeah, this issue has been around for a long time in previous Windows as well. It would be nice to have them work better.

    It'll be a good issue to send feedback to Microsoft about.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/7...dows-10-a.html
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro x64 Build 14393.0 Slow Ring
       #7

    Will do!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 10586.122
       #8

    Hi, I tried the first .bat file but nothing changed, so I tried the second and now everything is an icon. Is there a way to change it back to thumbnails? I may have driven myself into a hole, I'm not great with computers and these icons are pissing me off.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,672
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Hello yoyopowerranger, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    Both .bat files essential do the same thing, but one prompts and the other doesn't.

    If you haven't already, restart the computer.

    In addition, please post a screenshot showing the icons to see what may be wrong.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...en-forums.html
      My Computers


 

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