PDF thumbnails disappeared in Windows Explorer

geomazo · 20 Jan 2021

Hello
Edition Windows 10 Pro
Version 20H2 Installed on ‎28-‎May-‎20OS build 19042.746
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.551.0
PDF APP: Nitro Pro, Sumatra, Foxit
After the Windows update of mid Jan 21 and the update to Nitro 13.33 Pro the thumbnails of PDF files that have always been visible in Windows Explorer, disappeared. The space of the miniature rests blank; only the small icon of Nitro is visible in the bottom right corner.
If i change the default PDF programs (Sumatra or Foxit) the thumbnails rest invisible, with the exception of the relevant icon. This is annoying. I did not try with Adobe: i need a PDF editor and I have Nitro PRO. The File Explorer was used however it only change the default PDF Icon from large to small (always show icons, never thumbnails).
Any suggestions? thumbnails are convenient. The root appears to be with W. Explorer, not with the PDF app.

Edwin · 20 Jan 2021

I cannot speak for the others but, re-installing Sumatra enabling 'Allow Explorer Thumbnail Previews' fixes the issue for me.

geomazo · 20 Jan 2021

Sumatra: i did it. It did not work.

Berton · 20 Jan 2021

I just activated the Preview Pane in File Explorer and checked a .pdf file [I have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed instead of the usual default association with Edge], worked fine. Latest RTM Win10 Version 2009/20H2 Build 19042.746.

geomazo · 20 Jan 2021

YES. With Adobe Acrobat, not NITRO or all the other PDF Apps that do not possess that feature. I Have a paid Nitro, I do not want to buy un extra PDF editor.

Berton · 20 Jan 2021

Is Nitro set as the default association for .pdf files?

geomazo · 20 Jan 2021

Yes. Nitro is associated as default.
I was working OK till few days ago.

geomazo · 21 Feb 2021

Hello,
STILL the issue with NITRO pdf thumbnail is there.
I thought the the new version of the program could help. It did not.
Besides this: no thumbnail of PDF is shown with the following programs: Acrobat, Somatra, Foxit,Wondershare.
Rightly or wrongly I am convinced that the issue is not with the PDF software (tested with major brands) is with Explorer.
Grateful for help. Thanks

Berton · 21 Feb 2021

I just checked File Explorer and the free Free Commander, both show a preview of .pdf files in a Preview Panel setting and have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC installed. I just downloaded Foxit Reader, haven't had time to check it yet [it's on a different computer].

UPDATE: I'm now on the Notebook I put Foxit PDF Reader on and the Preview Pane in File Explorer works just fine.

geomazo · 23 Feb 2021

Thanks.
In my post I indicated thumbnails - I mean miniature - not preview in the pane. The option is to view icons or thumbnails,
For my use the miniatures (thumbnails) were better. Explorer shows miniatures for all files like Word, Excel not for PDF that are BLANK with a very small icon (Nitro) in the lower right corner .
Before from the miniature i.e. thumbnail I could guess if I was not right file, that presently - for PDF - is just a BLANK shape with a a name. The name of the file alone is much less descriptive than the name with the thumbnail.