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How to Show or Hide File Icons on Thumbnails in Windows 11

2024/11/18
PC Repair

Key Notes

  • Customize thumb icon display in Windows.
  • Two methods: File Explorer Options or Registry Editor.
  • Backup the registry before making changes.

Master the Art of Customizing File Icon Visibility in Windows 10 and 11

Navigating file icon visibility on thumbnails is vital for a streamlined user experience in Windows. This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions to toggle these settings.

How to Toggle File Icon Visibility on Thumbnails

Step 1: Modify File Icon Visibility in File Explorer Options

To adjust whether file icons appear on thumbnails using File Explorer Options, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Taskbar search and type file explorer options.
  2. Hit the corresponding search outcome.
  3. Navigate to the View tab in the window.
  4. Find the Display file icon on thumbnails option.
  5. Check the box to display icons or uncheck it to remove them.
  6. Click OK to activate your changes.

Pro Tip: Ensure you reopen File Explorer to see the changes applied.

Step 2: Adjusting Icon Visibility using Registry Editor

For those who prefer using the Registry Editor for this task, follow these instructions:

  1. Press Win + R to access the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Confirm by selecting Yes when User Account Control (UAC) prompts.
  4. Move to the Advanced section in HKCU.
  5. Find the ShowTypeOverlay REG_DWORD entry and double-click it.
  6. For icon visibility, set the Value data to 1 ; change to 0 to hide.
  7. Hit OK to finalize.
  8. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Pro Tip: Always make a backup of your registry before making changes to avoid potential issues.

Additional Tips

  • Regularly check file icon settings after major system updates.
  • Use a third-party software for advanced icon customizations.
  • Consider using virtual folders for organizing files more efficiently.

Summary

This guide has provided a thorough walkthrough on how to toggle the visibility of file icons on the thumbnails in Windows 10 and 11 through both File Explorer Options and the Registry Editor. By following these steps, you can enhance your desktop experience to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

Customizing file icon visibility can greatly improve your file management experience in Windows. Whether you choose to modify settings through File Explorer or delve into the Registry Editor, enjoy your newly tailored view!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I reveal the file icon on thumbnails in Windows 11?

To reveal file icons, access File Explorer Options, navigate to the View tab, check the box for Display file icon on thumbnails, and then click the OK button.

How do I conceal a specific icon on my desktop in Windows 11?

To hide an icon, right-click it, select Properties, check the Hidden box, and confirm with OK. To see the hidden icon, enable Show hidden files in File Explorer Options.

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