Windows 7 - Preview Pane - Turn On or Off

   Information

You can use the preview pane to see the contents of most files. If you select an e‑mail message, text file, picture, or video for example, you can see a preview of its contents without opening it in a program. The preview pane is turned off by default in Windows 7.

This will show you how to turn the Preview pane on or off in all Windows Explorer windows in Windows 7.

   Tip

When the Preview pane is turned on, you can drag it's left border line left and right to increase or decrease the size of the Preview pane.

1. Open Windows Explorer (explorer.exe).

2. On the toolbar, click on Organize and Layout. (see screenshots below)

3. To Turn On the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer -

A) Select (click) Preview pane to have it checked. (see screenshots above)

OR

B) Click on the Preview pane icon on the far right of the toolbar. (see screenshot below)

4. To Turn Off the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer -

A) Select (click) Preview pane to have it unchecked with the icon now showing. (see screenshots below step 2)

OR

B) Click on the Preview pane icon on the far right of the toolbar. (see screenshot below)

5. All Windows Explorer windows will now open as you set this.

1. To Turn On the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer -

A) Click on the Download button below to download the
Turn_Preview_Pane_On.reg file below.

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Turn Off the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer -

A) Click on the Download button below to download the
Turn_Preview_Pane_Off.reg file below.

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click the .reg file (On Desktop) and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Close and reopen any open Windows Explorer window to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file on the desktop if you like.