Thumbs.db

Windows Hacks: Things Nobody Tells You

What is this file?

The Thumbs.db file is a system file in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It's used to store thumbnail images for Windows Explorer's thumbnail view. This file is automatically generated and maintained by the system in each directory that contains images or video files, and its primary purpose is to speed up the display of thumbnails when you are viewing a folder in "Thumbnail" or "Tiles" view in Windows Explorer.

Key Characteristics of Thumbs.db:

1. Caching Thumbnails: The Thumbs.db file stores thumbnail images for documents and pictures in a folder, which allows Windows Explorer to load thumbnails more quickly each time the folder is opened.
2. Hidden File: By default, Thumbs.db files are hidden. You can view them if you have set Windows Explorer to show hidden files and folders.
3. System File: It's considered a system file, and thus, Windows may restrict direct user interactions with these files under normal circumstances.
4. Location: A Thumbs.db file is created in the same directory as the images for which it is caching thumbnails. This means you might find such files in multiple directories across your drives.

Interaction and Management:

• Deleting Thumbs.db: You can delete Thumbs.db files, but Windows will recreate them if the folder view settings require their usage. Deleting them is generally safe, but it will temporarily slow down thumbnail loading the next time you open the folder.
• Disabling Thumbs.db Creation: In Windows Vista and later, these files are not used the same way because Windows stores thumbnails in a central database. However, in older versions or in certain configurations, you can prevent Windows from creating Thumbs.db files by adjusting the folder view settings or via the Group Policy Editor:

Why You Might See Them:

If you're seeing Thumbs.db files frequently and are using a more recent version of Windows, it might be due to specific system settings or legacy behavior, particularly if you're accessing network drives or external storage devices that have been used with older versions of Windows.

These files are generally benign and serve a functional purpose in the operating system, facilitating quicker folder browsing by reducing the load time for thumbnail images.

How to Stop Creation of Thumbs.db Files:

1. Open the File Explorer.
2. Click on the View tab and then on Options.
3. In the Folder Options dialog, under the View tab, check the box Always show icons, never thumbnails.
4. Click Apply and then OK.

You can manually delete these files without any risk to your system; however, unless they are taking up a significant amount of space, it's usually not necessary. To delete them, make sure you have set your folder options to show hidden files, then you can simply delete them like any other file.