Clear the Thumbnail Cache in Windows

A thumbnail is a preview of a file. On older versions of Windows, whenever you view a thumbnail in Windows, a file called Thumbs.db is created so that your thumbnails can load faster next time. On newer versions of windows, these thumbnails are stored in a central database. Old or new, this may take up large amounts of space on your hard drive or the thumbnails may eventually be broken, so sometimes it needs to be cleared. Scroll down to learn how to clear the Windows thumbnail cache.

Steps

Windows XP

1. Since Thumbs.db is a hidden system file, you must enable Windows to show them. Follow these steps:
   
   
   1. From Windows Explorer, click the "Tools" menu, then select "Folder Options"
   2. Click the "View" tab
   3. Make sure "Show hidden files and folders" is selected
   4. Uncheck "Hide protected operating files" - click "OK" when the warning appears.
   5. Click "OK" to close the Folder Options dialog box
      
2. Open the Start menu, then click "Search"
3. Click "Search for files and folders" in the left pane
4. Enter "Thumbs.db" into the text field, then click "Search". Windows will now search for every "Thumbs.db" file on your computer. If they do not appear, make sure hidden and system files are included in search results.
5. Click on "Select All" from the "Edit" menu.
6. Click on "Delete" from the "File" menu. The files will be sent to the Recycle Bin, based upon your settings.

Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 10

1. Open the Start menu/screen.  This can be done by pressing on the Windows icon on the bottom left.
   • Users running Windows Vista, 7, and 10 will be taken to the start menu.
   • Users running Windows 8 and 8.1 will be taken to the start screen.
2. Select disk cleanup from the menu or search Disk Cleanup in the search bar.
   • If you are running Windows 8 or 8.1, you can just begin typing Disk Cleanup.
3. If prompted, select the appropriate Disk to be cleaned up.
4. Wait for the app to analyze how much junk files need to be removed. Your computer will search for any useless system files that slow your computer down.
5. Scroll down and check the box next to Thumbnails. Continue by pressing OK.

Video

Template:Video:Clear the Thumbnail Cache on Windows

Warnings

• If you do this frequently, it can actually slow down your computer since Windows has to read the file and create the thumbnail instead of using the thumbnail cache. It is recommended that you only do this if you are experiencing issues with the thumbnails or it is taking up too much space.

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Sources and Citations

• http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/what-are-thumbsdb-files-and-can-i-delete-them-windows.htm
• https://neosmart.net/wiki/clear-thumbnails-cache/

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• Update Windows
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