Windows 10 and Thumbs.db

AlphaUMi · 20 Aug 2016

Hi!

I remember that in the old XP times, Windows creates a Thumbs.db folder containing the thumbnails cache for that folder and that folder only. I remember also that a lot of people were disappointed having such files scattered all over their drives. I found out that Windows 10 "centralize" the thumbnails cache in some folder in user profile.

Well, I was happy with the Thumbs.db file generated in each folder, because this way I had control over each folder should have an immediate representation or not. With Windows 10 it's all a matter of all/nothing option.

There is a way to restore the old behavior, like in Windows XP, in Windows 10? I mean, create a Thumbs.db file in each folder instead of "centralize" the cache in one single file for the whole drive?

Kbird · 20 Aug 2016

From what I have seen Win10 still does it that way but you only see the Thumb.db IF you have unchecked Hide Protected System Files
you will also see a Desktop.ini file along with it in many folders.

AlphaUMi · 21 Aug 2016

All hidden ans system files are set to be showed, I can see Desktop.ini file where present, but there is no trace of Thumbs.db in folders containing media files. Instead, there is a solid thumbnail file cache in C:\Users\{user-name}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.

Can you confirm you have a thumbs.db file in every folder containing a media file?

Kbird · 21 Aug 2016

I do if I uncheck that setting , they are everywhere , even on the Desktop if I save a screen shot there for example.

see here after I unchecked it just now

Unless they changed that in the AU/1607 ? as this computer has not been offered the AU Update yet.

I have 5 different Thumbcache files in that directory BTW , 32 , 48, 96, 256 and idx

AlphaUMi · 21 Aug 2016

I have a theory. Let's proof it. Prerequisite: are those Thumbs.db recent, or are they a remnant of a previous Windows installation?

Try to delete (or move, if you want) that files and see if Windows recreates them.

Are Thumbs.db in folders containing media (images, videos), where they are supposed to be? If they do, try to delete or move the thumbs.db files just to see if they are recreated (as it should be)....

logicearth · 21 Aug 2016

Thumbs.db is still created when browsing folders though a network, or if it gets routed though the network layer. I believe Libraries use a network layer.

Anyways for your question. No you cannot switch it back to the older behavior.

Kbird · 21 Aug 2016

AlphaUMi said:

I have a theory. Let's proof it. Prerequisite: are those Thumbs.db recent, or are they a remnant of a previous Windows installation?

Try to delete (or move, if you want) that files and see if Windows recreates them.

Are Thumbs.db in folders containing media (images, videos), where they are supposed to be? If they do, try to delete or move the thumbs.db files just to see if they are recreated (as it should be)....

Desktop ones are a few days old but some of the other are likely 2-3 yrs old and maybe from Win7? I just assumed they were updated when needed automatically but I really don't know enough about it to offer any advice.

at what point does a rebuild occur or what should trigger it ? desktop.ini seems to be there after every reboot again in folders anyway.