How to Turn Off Preview Pane in Windows Explorer
The Preview Pane in Windows Explorer is a convenient feature that allows users to view the contents of files without opening them. However, some users may find it intrusive or unnecessary, especially when working with a large number of files. If you’re one of those users who would like to disable the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Firstly, open Windows Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E. Once the Windows Explorer window is open, navigate to the folder where you want to disable the Preview Pane.
Next, right-click on any empty space within the folder and select “Properties” from the context menu. This will open the folder properties dialog box.
In the folder properties dialog box, click on the “View” tab. Here, you will find various options related to how files and folders are displayed in Windows Explorer.
To disable the Preview Pane, locate the “Use simple file sharing (Recommended)” option and uncheck it. This will enable advanced settings for the folder.
Scroll down to the “Files and Folders” section and find the “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option. Check this box to disable the Preview Pane and force Windows Explorer to display only icons for files and folders.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes. The Preview Pane should now be disabled in Windows Explorer for the selected folder.
If you want to disable the Preview Pane for all folders in Windows Explorer, you can modify the registry. However, this method requires caution, as incorrect registry modifications can cause system instability. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your registry.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
In the right pane, find the “PreviewPane” value and double-click on it. Change its value from “1” to “0” to disable the Preview Pane.
Click “OK” and close the Registry Editor. Restart Windows Explorer for the changes to take effect.
By following these steps, you can easily turn off the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer and customize the way files and folders are displayed in your Windows environment.
