Last Updated on June 1, 2026
If you are a Microsoft Windows user and use File Explorer to manage your files and folders, you might have noticed that when you use the icon view that your folders will display a thumbnail of their contents. What you have most likely noticed as well is that half of the thumbnail image is covered by the folder itself.
If you would like to see the entire thumbnail preview image on your folders, you can do so with a free third party tool. In this article, we will be showing you how to make the folder preview for pictures & files take up the entire icon in Windows.
The image below shows a typical users Pictures folder with the extra large icon view enabled. As you can see, it only shows around half of the thumbnail preview image for each folder.
Downloading the Folder Thumbnail Fix
1. Download the Tool Archive
To have the folder preview take up the entire icon, we will be using an app called Folder Thumbnail Fix. It’s free to use and can be downloaded directly from the developer repository online. You will receive a compressed zip file. You must extract it to a local folder on your computer before attempting to run it.
2. Launch the Standalone Executable
Open your new extraction folder. Then all you need to do is double click the FolderThumbnailFix.exe file to run the tool. You do not have to go through a traditional installation wizard. It acts as a lightweight standalone utility that executes instantly.
Configuring the Full Preview Mode
1. Choose the New Thumbnail Style
The software launches a very basic graphical interface. You can then choose the thumbnail style on the left to enable the full preview for your icon. If you ever want to change it back, you can run the tool again later. You would just choose the default folder option located on the right side of the window.
2. Confirm the Administrator Prompt
You will then see a UAC prompt asking for permission to make the changes. You will need to click on the Yes button to continue. If your account is not a local administrator, you will be blocked. You will need to know the name and password of one to continue past this strict security screen.
3. Wait for the Explorer Restart
Once you click the Yes button, the app will instantly restart Windows Explorer. Your screen will go blank completely for a moment. Do not panic. The taskbar and desktop icons will return to normal after a few seconds.
Verifying Your New Folder Layout
1. Inspect Your Image Folders
Open File Explorer from your taskbar. Navigate to a directory containing images. Then you will see that your folder icons show the entire thumbnail preview rather than the partial preview. The picture will now stretch beautifully across the entire folder graphic.
2. Reapply After Windows Updates
One critical thing to keep in mind is how Microsoft handles system patching. When your computer gets updated via Windows Update, the operating system often overwrites custom desktop UI modifications. You may have to run the tool again manually. This will instantly re-enable the full picture view for your folders in File Explorer.
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