Prevent Windows 7 Thumbs.db Files

Save space and clutter by preventing Windows 7 from making thumbs.db files

Contrary to what a lot of online sources are saying Windows 7 DOES automatically make hidden thumbs.db files in any folder where it encounters a picture. This thumbnail cache wastes space and pollutes folders with hidden files that can cause problems in certain circumstances, here is how to prevent them...

It actually took almost an hour or reading to find out how to do this because the easy option that existed in Windows XP (a setting in the folder view preferences) has been removed - who knows why.

(Techie bit to follow)
The only way (or the only way I found) is to make a registry tweak. Actually adding a new key and DWORD value that doesn't exist by default - so you actually need to add it not just tweak it!

The easiest way to do this is to create a .reg script file and merge it in. Copy and paste the following into a text file and save the file as disablethumbs.reg:



You will need to reboot after adding this - it won't remove any existing thumbs.db files but it will prevent creating them.

Why do this?
For me to prevent the files showing up in folders where I'm programming or building web sites - these clutter my code and can wind up getting packaged or transferred to a server if I don't watch very carefully.

I'm not sure why Microsoft removed the simple option for this in the folder view settings but at least there is a way to prevent it.

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