How to Remove the Thumbs.db File From Your Hard Drive

The thumbs.db file serves as a cache of the thumbnail pictures in a Windows directory. This file can be extremely convenient because it lets you view folders and pictures in the thumbnail view much faster than having to load the pictures in their entirety. However, the thumbs.db does takes up disk space. Even though the amount of space it occupies is very small, the thumbs.db file can clutter your hard drive. You can save space by deleting unnecessary thumbs.db files.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and type "gpedit.msc" into the search box. Press "Enter." This opens the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. Click the arrow next to User Configuration in the left pane, then the arrow next to Administrative Templates and Windows Components.

3. Scroll down and click "Windows Explorer."

4. Double-click "Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files" in the right pane. A new window opens.

5. Click the radio button next to Enabled and then click "OK" at the bottom of the window. Your thumbs.db file has been turned off.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not change anything else in the Local Group Policy Editor if you're not sure what it does. Doing so could cause severe damage to your computer.

References

• Ask Leo!; How Do I Turn Off Thumbs.db in Windows 7?; Leo Notenboom; 2010