Although you can safely delete any thumbs.db file, Windows automatically recreates it unless the option to create thumbs.db files is disabled. The following sections detail how to stop thumb.db files from being generated in different versions of Windows. Select your version from the menu below and follow the steps.

Windows 8

  • Press the Windows Key + E.
  • In the window that appears, select the View tab in the top-left corner.
  • Locate and click Options on the right side.
  • In the Folder Options window that appears, select the View tab.
  • Locate the Advanced settings: section of the window.
  • Under Files and Folders, check the box next to Always show icons, never thumbnails.
  • Click Apply, then OK.
  • (Optional) Run a Disk Cleanup to clear any pre-existing thumbs.db files.

Windows 7 and Vista

  • Press the Windows Key + E.
  • In the window that appears, click Organize in the top-left corner.
  • From the drop-down menu, select Folder and search options.
  • In the Folder Options window that appears, select the View tab.
  • Locate the Advanced settings: section of the window.
  • Under Files and Folders, check the box next to Always show icons, never thumbnails.
  • Click Apply, then OK.
  • (Optional) Run a Disk Cleanup to clear any pre-existing thumbs.db files.

Windows XP

  • Open My Computer.

  • Click Tools and then Folder Options.

  • In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.

  • In the View tab, under Advanced Settings, check the box Do not cache thumbnails.

  • Click OK.

  • Windows 8

  • Windows 7 and Vista

  • Windows XP

If you do run the Disk Cleanup utility, make sure the box next to Thumbnails is checked.

  • What is the thumbs.db file?
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.