Extend File Explorer previews with PowerToys add-ons
Add documented preview handlers for selected formats and troubleshoot the pane before assuming a file is unsupported.
Publication & corrections: infostoa · Editorial standards
Individual author and specialist reviewer information is not provided for this article.
What Windows provides and PowerToys adds
The Preview pane is already part of Windows File Explorer. PowerToys adds preview or thumbnail handlers for formats such as SVG, Markdown, PDF, G-code, QOI, and many source-code extensions. Availability depends on which handler is enabled and the file type.
Enable a handler and check one file
In PowerToys Settings, open File Explorer add-ons and turn on only the handler you need. In File Explorer, open View > Preview pane and select a supported file. If the pane stays blank, check Folder Options > View and make sure “Show preview handlers in preview pane” is selected. Thumbnail changes may require a reboot; cloud-managed paths such as OneDrive may not show locally generated thumbnails.
Account for handler conflicts
Enabling PowerToys preview handlers can override other installed handlers. Microsoft notes reports of incompatibility between Outlook and the PDF Preview Handler. If one type stops previewing, temporarily turn off the corresponding PowerToys handler and compare the same file. Preview support is not guaranteed for every format or PC configuration.
Sources: Microsoft Learn: File Explorer add-ons · Install PowerToys