How to Show or Hide Preview Pane in File Explorer in Windows 11
The preview pane in Windows 11 File Explorer lets you see file contents without opening them.
This feature displays images, documents, and other file types directly within the File Explorer window, saving you clicks and time.
You can easily turn the preview pane on or off with a few clicks.
This helps you decide if you want a quick peek at files or a simpler, cleaner view as you browse your folders.
Press Alt+P to toggle the preview pane on or off. Alternatively, click View, then Show, and select Preview pane. This lets you see file contents directly in File Explorer.
How to Show or Hide Preview Pane in File Explorer
You can manage your view settings. Here are the best ways to do it.
Method 1The Quick Keyboard Shortcut
Method 2Using the Command Bar
The preview pane in File Explorer can be toggled on or off. Open File Explorer by pressing ⊞ Win+E. Then, click the ‘View’ menu at the top. From the ‘Show’ submenu, select ‘Preview pane’ to toggle the feature on or off.
Method 3Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)
You can change whether the Windows 11 preview pane shows up by editing the Registry Editor (a system tool for advanced settings). This advanced method lets you turn the preview pane on or off permanently, but be careful when making changes.
Show Preview pane:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\DetailsContainer" /v DetailsContainer /t REG_BINARY /d 0200000001000000 /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\Sizer" /v DetailsContainerSizer /t REG_BINARY /d 150100000000000000000000c0030000 /f
Hide Preview pane:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\DetailsContainer" /v DetailsContainer /t REG_BINARY /d 0200000002000000 /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\Sizer" /v DetailsContainerSizer /t REG_BINARY /d 150100000000000000000000c0030000 /f
Troubleshooting and Performance
If your computer feels slow when opening folders, especially with many large files, the preview pane might be the cause. Hiding it can help speed things up. If you don’t see a preview, check if the file type is supported or if thumbnail previews are turned off in Folder Options.
Summary
The preview pane in Windows 11 helps you view files fast, and you can toggle it on or off using keyboard shortcuts, the View menu, or the Registry.
Can I use the preview pane for all file types?
No, the preview pane only supports specific file types like images, PDFs, and text documents. If a file format is not supported by Windows or your installed apps, the pane will remain blank or show a generic icon instead of the file content.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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