How to Switch Off the Thumbs.db Image Cache File in Windows

There’s an easy way to prevent further Thumbs.db hassle:

1. 1. Ensure you’re logged in using an administrator account.
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3. 2. Hit Win+R, type gpedit.msc in the Run window and click OK. The Local Group Policy Editor will be launched.
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5. 3. Navigate through the tree to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > then either Windows Explorer (Windows Vista/7) or File Explorer (Windows 8).

1. 4. In the right-hand pane, double-click “Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden     thumbs.db files”.
2. 5. Select Enabled (don’t make my mistake of choosing “Disabled” — you’re enabling the switching off of Thumbs.db. Not particularly intuitive, Microsoft!)

OK your way out and it’s job done — you’ll never be troubled by Thumbs.db files ever again!