When you open up Windows Explorer and click on your Pictures folder Windows by default displays picture thumbnails for that folder.

Now, let’s imagine a situation, you ask your friend to help you out on a computer problem. He is so nice to dedicate some time to come rescue you with your computer problems. While trying to fix the problem he just wanted to look for something on your folders to make sure. While clicking on the Pictures folder he saw your thumbnails of your pictures that should be private instead. Sometimes it would be embarrassing and sometimes it would be uncomfortable depends on what type of pictures that you have on your Pictures folder. How about if we just make those thumbnails not show up by default?

It’s pretty easy. Just follow the geek’s footsteps to hide the picture thumbnails in Windows Explorer.

Step-1:

Launch Windows Explorer and navigate into the Pictures folder. By default you’ll see picture thumbnails on the right side pane on Windows Explorer.

Step-2:

Click on the “Organize” menu on the top left side and then click on the “Folder and Search Options…” menu.

Step-3:

Windows will open the “Folder Options” dialog. Under the “Advanced settings” make sure to check (place a tick mark) the “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option.

Step-4:

Hit the “OK” button. Windows will now display icons instead of thumbnails. Don’t panic, your’ pictures are safe and when you double click to view the pictures it will just show up fine. Remember, we just wanted to make Windows don’t display the thumbnails by default.

If you’d prefer to watch The Geek hide the picture thumbnails on his Windows Explorer then watch this screencast.