Windows 10: Windows 11 File Explorer Preview Pane for PDF files not working consistently

I am running Windows 11 version 21H2 patched up to date and have noticed this problem recently, although I am not sure exactly when it started in relation to recent patches.When I open a folder the preview pane shows "Select a file to preview".Selecting a .jpg file shows the preview.Selecting a .doc file shows "No preview available" - expected as I do not have Microsoft Office.Selecting a .pdf file causes the preview pane to go blank.My solution is to untick the Show Preview Pane option, close explorer, open explorer, tick the Show Preview Pane option.Selecting a .pdf file now shows the previe

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Windows 11 File Explorer Preview Pane for PDF files not working consistently

I am running Windows 11 version 21H2 patched up to date and have noticed this problem recently, although I am not sure exactly when it started in relation to recent patches.
When I open a folder the preview pane shows "Select a file to preview".
Selecting a .jpg file shows the preview.
Selecting a .doc file shows "No preview available" - expected as I do not have Microsoft Office.
Selecting a .pdf file causes the preview pane to go blank.

My solution is to untick the Show Preview Pane option, close explorer, open explorer, tick the Show Preview Pane option.
Selecting a .pdf file now shows the preview. (This does not work without closing explorer and reopening it.)
Has anyone else experienced this, and more to the point, does anyone know of a fix?

 

Preview Pane Not Working For Some File Types

After upgrading user's computer to Windows 11, he cannot preview some documents in the preview pane (he could prior to the update).

They are files created by Siemens NX application and have the file type .prt

The preview pane works for your normal stuff like .pdf or .txt files.

Issue happens for existing files on the network as well as newly created .prt files

Troubleshooting already performed:

• Restart Windows Explorer
  
• Restore File Explorer settings to default
  
• Ran SFC, DISM, and chkdsk tools
  
• The application creating the files was reinstalled
  
• Re-installed Windows 11 (multiple times)
  
• File explorer options
  
  • 'show preview handlers in the preview pane' checkbox is checked
    
  • 'always show icons, never thumbnails' is unchecked
    
• Tried the performance option of 'adjust for best appearance'
  

 

No PDF viewer in File explorer preview pane

Hi Steve,

Conflicts with the program settings is one of the possible reasons why you are unable to view the PDF preview in the File Explorer Preview Pane. We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps in this

thread, and go to the post that was provided by Michalis_Georgiou
on October 24, 2017 in the 2nd page, and check if you will still encounter the same issue.

Should you need further assistance, don't hesitate to get back to us.