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3 Ways to View and Change Video Thumbnails on Windows 11/10

If you are using a Windows-based PC/laptop and want to change the thumbnails of the videos stored on your PC. Here in this article, we will discuss the simple methods to fix missing thumbnails and even change the video thumbnail on your Windows PC.  Meanwhile, you can learn about the 6 alternatives of VLC Player on Windows, Mac, and Mobile.

How to View Video Thumbnails on Windows 10 and 11?

Windows ideally generate the thumbnail for a video. In case you are not able to view the thumbnail for a video on Windows 10/11, we have shared three methods in the guide below.

Use Media Preview App

The first method we will suggest to fix video thumbnails that aren’t visible is using the Media Preview app. Here’s how it works:

1. Download and Install the Media Preview app on your PC.

2. Once installed, open the app and switch to the Video Formats and click the Select All button.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

3. Now, click on Apply to apply the selected configuration.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

5. Next, switch to the Image Formats tab.

6. Here, click the Select All button to select all the file types.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

7. Now click on Apply and confirm the changes.

8. Now, you should be able to view the thumbnail for the video.

Icaros App

This is the second app using which you can fix the video thumbnail on Windows, is the app called Icaros app. Follow the steps given below to use it.

1. Download and Install the Icaros app on your PC.

2. Once installed, open the app and select your preferred Language and Theme settings.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

3. Now change the preset from Custom to Most Known.

4. On the next screen, select Thumbnailing to Activate it.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

5. Now restart your Windows explorer and thumbnails will be applied to all of your videos.

Shark007 Codecs

The third method we recommend is Shark007 app. The app is easy to use and we have guided you on how to use it.

1. First of all Download and Install the Shark007 Codecs app on your PC.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

2. Open the app and switch to the Configure tab.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

3. You need to Uncheck the Disable Icaros box and it will Activate Icaros on your PC.

fix missing windows video thumbnail

4. Now, the video thumbnails should be back on your Windows PC.

Edit or Change Video Thumbnails

Windows uses the first frame of the video to generate the thumbnail for it, which might not be liked by all. If you want to edit or change the default thumbnail and set a custom thumbnail for the videos stored on your Windows PC. Here’s how it can be done.

Tag Editor

Tag Editor is an app published by the developer Martchus on the GitHub repository. Here’s how you can use it to edit or change the thumbnail for any video on your Windows 10/11-based PC.

1. Download and Install the Tag Editor app on your PC.

change windows video thumbnail

2. Now extract the files to a folder.

3. Double-click the EXE file and run it.

4. Now, locate the video you wish to change the thumbnail and edit tags.

change windows video thumbnail

5. Here click the Add button under the cover section and select the picture you wish to use as a thumbnail.

change windows video thumbnail

6. Now, the new thumbnail will be updated on the video.

Wrapping Up

In the above article, we discussed the methods you can fix missing thumbnails or change the video thumbnail in Windows 10 and 11.  I hope you found this helpful if you did share it with your friends and family. Check out other tips linked below, and stay tuned to GadgetsToUse for more such tech tips.

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Shivam Singh

A passionate tech geek with deep knowledge of tech. You can find him covering everything related to modern gadgets and ways in which these could be helpful in your daily life.