How to Turn Off Preview Pane in File Explorer
Are you tired of the preview pane in File Explorer constantly popping up and getting in the way of your work? The preview pane, which displays a preview of files when you hover over them, can be quite useful, but it can also be a nuisance if you prefer to view files in a more traditional way. If you’re looking to disable the preview pane in File Explorer, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of turning off the preview pane in Windows 10 and earlier versions of the operating system.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step in turning off the preview pane is to open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Access the Folder Options
Once File Explorer is open, you’ll need to access the Folder Options. To do this, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window, and then click on “Options” in the bottom-right corner of the window.
Step 3: Navigate to the View Tab
In the Folder Options window, you’ll see several tabs. Click on the “View” tab to access the settings related to the preview pane.
Step 4: Disable the Preview Pane
In the View tab, you’ll find a list of options for customizing the appearance and behavior of File Explorer. Scroll down until you find the “Use single pane” option, and make sure it is checked. This will disable the preview pane and switch to a more traditional file browsing experience.
Step 5: Apply and Close
After you’ve made the necessary changes, click “Apply” to save your settings, and then click “OK” to close the Folder Options window. The preview pane should now be disabled, and you can enjoy a clutter-free File Explorer experience.
Additional Tips
If you ever decide to re-enable the preview pane, you can follow the same steps outlined above, but uncheck the “Use single pane” option instead. Additionally, if you’re using Windows 10, you can also use the new “Group similar files together” option to achieve a similar effect, although it may not be as effective as completely disabling the preview pane.
By following these simple steps, you can easily turn off the preview pane in File Explorer and customize your file browsing experience to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional file browsing method or simply looking to streamline your workflow, disabling the preview pane can be a valuable adjustment.
