Windows Explorer Preview Pane Stopped Working for PDF Files

JLSchutt · 09 Mar 2022

I've used the preview pane in Windows Explorer for years to preview several file types. Just last week the preview of PDF files suddenly stopped working. Instead of displaying the contents of the file, it shows a first line in a large font that says the following:
Index of C:\Users\MyName\

Below that is a long list of folders. I haven't changed any settings recently in either Windows or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, which is my default PDF reader. The preview pane works fine for .eml, .docx and other types of files. Any ideas?

Windows Version 21H1 OS Build 19043.1586

dalchina · 10 Mar 2022

Hi, you can check your registered preview handlers using this little utility I posted here:

Preview suddenly not working possibly after loading new ver 19 CorelDr

Look for the one for pdf. If it's not registered correctly, you may need to repair your Adobe installation. (Other pdf readers can add their own handler... perhaps yours has been overwritten or simply corrupted. Mine's Sumatra).

You might also wish to run routine disk checks if you see a problem.

JLSchutt · 10 Mar 2022

dalchina, thank you for your advice. I decided to try the easiest suggestion first, so I repaired the installation of Acrobat Reader DC using Windows Settings / Apps. That worked, and I can now see the PDF previews.

dalchina · 11 Mar 2022

JLSchutt · 14 Mar 2022

Unfortunately, the problem returned today. I again repaired Acrobat Reader and that again fixed the problem. I think I ran a Windows update recently. Perhaps that's what broke it. At least I know how to fix it.

dalchina · 14 Mar 2022

A good number of issues are reported with respect to Acrobat - I use Sumatra (free) - no issues. If all you need is a reader - there are good free ones.