Windows Thumbnail Preview not working FIX

Spent weeks trying to solve this frustrating issue. Tried all the common fixes frequently referred on multiple websites to no avail. Almost gave up until luckily I found this Tool. Its the only thing that worked for me so I decided to share it.

Codec Tweak Tool:

Note:
The standard pack is the recommended variant.

2] If this unfortunately didn't work and you've tried common fixes then another fix i'd recommend trying is to create a new folder and *copy* the files over to that folder and see if the thumbnails repopulate. Moving the files will keep the icon only display.

3] You'll notice that the preview thumbnails might be different from the previous ones because it uses a different thumbnail generator which generates thumbnails using a different point in the video files from the Microsoft one. To change this back to the default, open the Tool then thumbnails/options and check all the boxes that say ''use Microsoft thumbnailer " apply and close. Refresh the folder with your files. If it doesn't change then reopen the tool, thumbnails/options and clear thumbnail cache.
You can also tweak a few things about the thumbnail display in here like removing the video reel & file type icon overlay.

Yeah that's pretty much it........

[sparhawk]

This is the first thing to work after many fails. Much obliged, Dashawn!

[GenTradingInfo]

Holy-Moly! You are awesome to the 10th power, DxShawn! Thanks for restoring my thumbnails and sanity!

[timroxx]

This is the ONLY way I managed to fix this issue! I tried everything on Google and YouTube and none of them worked..
You are a legend, thank you!

[sumbodyshero]

Fixed! Been going at this shit for like TWO MONTHS. Thank you! Everyone else on the internet needs to stop making tutorials and let this guy take over. BTW: browser tried to block the download saying it was not secure, and windows made me go through extra steps to install this "vIrUs". Tech overlords just don't want to see us fix problems without paying them out the ass. Thanks again.

[pablogonzalez]

this really worked. I was skeptical because the file said that it's not commonly downloaded and I wasn't sure if the other comments were fake, but my folders show thumbnails now. Also I think your style of tutorials is really cool, and much easier to follow and not boring like other tutorials where it's a guy talking really slow and monotonous. It reminds me of early youtube tutorials but goode.

[donovanf]

Thank you so much. I never leave comments but oh my god you helped so much. This was genuinely an instant fix that helped after all the other options didn't.

[vikxt]

Dude you are awesome. Every troubleshooting guide was saying to check the Folder Options or Performance Options or even check the disk. Who would have thought that Codec Tweak Tool will fix this problem. Again man you are the best..

[HarshAsnani]

worked for me 👍 after watching all previous useless videos.... you're the one who helped !!!

[iftakhairulislam]

You've saved me hours/days/months of frustrations...THANK YOU

[TryhardTechy]

i can't thank you enough, finally after a year of on and off looking i can see thumbnails of my h.265 videos! in my previous attempts i had downloaded the klite codec pack but it did nothing so i uninstalled it. but with your fix and klite reinstalled i can finally easily sort all my videos! thank you so much.

[HCIbn]

And just when I was about to download another K-Lite Codec Pack. I watch this video again and it works.

[usamarahman]

Didn’t worked for mov (vlc) video file thumbnails 😢
Mp4 thumbnails previews are working perfectly already but MOV file previews not showing after applying all what you described 😢

[donnydon]

When I uninstalled VLC it corrupted all my thumbnails and all the recommended options didn't work until I stumbled upon this video. I didn't trust downloading random stuff but this actually worked I'm shooketh 🙏🙏🙏

[ernietetrault]

A million, billion thanks!! I tried EVERYTHING and nothing worked until this!

[Grinder-one]

Yes, I knew my problem was related to codecs but couldn't even remember the name of the codec I had installed some time ago. My video thumbnails were showing but not for recent video's, if I made a new video or copied one, there would be no thumbnail for it. Once I saw K-lite and tweak in this video, I went to my K-lite folder, opened Tweak tool and in the thumbnail tab, I noticed my avi, mp4 and mov associations were unticked. I ticked them and applied and now all of my video's have thumbnails. Thanks for this cool video.

[favarettofilms]

Finally a video with the title in English that works
Many thanks!

[chk]

Mate love your work this has been a frustration for a while now keep up the great work and thank you

[LifeofClay]

this actually worked, thank you so much, what a relief. huge help indeed brother.

[JayB]

WOW, it worked like a charm for bringing back the thumbnails for all my MP4 Video Files! THANKS

[jaychrstn]

Brother... me kabhi koi video me comment ni karta... but aaj tumne majboor kiya... its work.... kaafi time se solve ni ho raha tha but thanks to u...