How to Stop Windows 11 from Creating Thumbs.db Files

If you frequently manage folders containing hundreds of images or videos on your Windows 11 PC, you may have noticed hidden files named Thumbs.db appearing everywhere. These files are thumbnail caches generated by File Explorer to quickly display image previews. While they speed up folder loading times, they can cause major headaches when trying to delete or move network folders, often resulting in “File in Use” error messages.

The Problem with Thumbs.db on Network Drives

On local hard drives, Windows 11 handles thumbnail caching in a centralized database hidden deep in your AppData folder. However, when you browse a shared network drive (like a NAS or a shared office server), Windows reverts to the older method of creating individual Thumbs.db files directly inside every folder you view. Because Windows keeps these files locked while you are browsing, you cannot easily delete the parent folder, leading to immense frustration for network administrators and standard users alike.

How to Disable Thumbnail Caching via the Local Group Policy Editor

If you are using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, the most effective way to stop the creation of Thumbs.db files is by modifying the Group Policy.

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. In the left-hand navigation pane, follow this path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
4. In the right-hand window pane, locate the setting named Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files.
5. Double-click the setting to open its properties.
6. Select the Enabled radio button (counterintuitively, enabling this policy turns the caching feature off).
7. Click Apply, then click OK.

How to Disable Thumbs.db via the Registry Editor

If you are using Windows 11 Home, you do not have access to the Group Policy Editor and must use the Registry Editor instead.

1. Press the Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name the new key Explorer.
4. Right-click the newly created Explorer key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value DisableThumbsDBOnNetworkFolders.
6. Double-click the new value and set its “Value data” to 1.
7. Click OK and restart your PC.

Windows 11 will no longer litter your network drives with locked Thumbs.db files.