OneDrive PDF thumbnails in Windows Explorer

I'm experiencing an issue with PDF thumbnails in Windows Explorer when the files are stored in OneDrive folders. Instead of showing detailed previews, they appear as generic icons. However, when I move the same files to a local folder, the thumbnails display correctly.




First image is "PDF file in an Onedrive folder". The second image is "The same PDF file in a local folder".

I want PDF thumbnails as in the second image in every folder (in Onedrive or not).

I've already checked the usual settings:

• “Always show icons, never thumbnails” is disabled.
• Microsoft Edge is set as the default PDF viewer.
• Files are available offline (not set to “on demand”).
• View mode is set to large icons.
• I use Windows 11 in an Acer laptop.

I also tried using Icaros to force thumbnail generation, but I couldn’t find an option that affects OneDrive folders specifically.

PDF thumbnails in OneDrive – Microsoft Q&A

I posted this issue on Microsoft Q&A more than 24 hours ago and would appreciate any insights or workarounds from the community.

pretty sure a recent onedrive update has force enabled thumbnail previews, according to multiple search results/threads online

See File Explorer automatically disables the preview feature for files downloaded from the internet

I don't see how this can be useful.

BruceR said:

See File Explorer automatically disables the preview feature for files downloaded from the internet

Click to expand...

preHilbert said:

I don't see how this can be useful.

Click to expand...

its not. thats an entirely separate issue/subject.