How To Remove Preview Pane In Windows 8

Are you tired of the clutter in your Windows 8 file explorer? Did you know that removing the preview pane can help you streamline your workflow and improve productivity? With just a few simple steps, you can eliminate the distractions of the preview pane and focus on the files that matter most.

To remove the preview pane in Windows 8, you can start by opening the file explorer by pressing the Windows key + E. Then, navigate to the "View" tab at the top of the window and click on the "Preview pane" button to toggle it off. By doing this, you will regain valuable screen space and have a cleaner view of your files. This can be particularly beneficial when working on tasks that require organizing and managing numerous files simultaneously.

Customizing the Windows 8 Interface: Removing the Preview Pane

Windows 8 introduced a new and modern interface, but for some users, certain features may be more cumbersome than helpful. One such feature is the Preview Pane, which allows users to preview the contents of a file without opening it. While this can be useful in some cases, it can also take up valuable screen space and slow down the overall browsing experience. If you find the Preview Pane to be more of a hindrance than a benefit, don't worry - removing it is a straightforward process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to remove the Preview Pane in Windows 8.

Method 1: Disabling the Preview Pane through the File Explorer Options

The first method to remove the Preview Pane in Windows 8 involves accessing the File Explorer Options. Follow these steps:

• Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and E simultaneously, or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
• In the File Explorer window, click on the "View" tab located at the top of the window.
• In the "View" tab, locate the "Preview pane" option in the layout section. Click on it to disable the preview pane.
• The Preview Pane will now be disabled, and you will have more screen space available in the File Explorer window.

Benefits of Disabling the Preview Pane

Disabling the Preview Pane offers several benefits:

• Improved performance: With the Preview Pane disabled, the File Explorer will run more smoothly and responsively.
• Reduced distraction: The absence of the Preview Pane allows users to focus on the file names and details, making it easier to locate and manage files.
• Increased screen space: Removing the Preview Pane frees up more screen space, providing a larger viewing area for file listings and folder structures.

Restoring the Preview Pane

If you ever decide to restore the Preview Pane, simply follow the same steps outlined above, but this time, enable the "Preview pane" option instead.

By disabling or enabling the Preview Pane as needed, you can tailor the File Explorer interface to your preferred level of functionality and visual clutter.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor to Disable the Preview Pane

Another method to remove the Preview Pane in Windows 8 involves modifying the Windows Registry. Here's how:

• Press the Windows key and R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
• Type "regedit" in the text field and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\Sizer
• In the right pane, locate the "PreviewPane" DWORD value.
• Double-click on the "PreviewPane" value to modify it. Change the value data from "1" to "0" and click OK.
• Close the Registry Editor.
• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Cautionary Note

Modifying the Windows Registry can have serious consequences if not done correctly. It is essential to follow the steps carefully and make sure to backup your Registry before making any changes.

If at any point you encounter issues with your system after modifying the Registry, it is recommended to seek assistance from a knowledgeable professional or revert the changes using a backup.

Method 3: Using Third-Party File Explorer Alternatives

If you prefer not to modify the Windows Registry or simply want a different file browsing experience, you can consider using third-party file explorer alternatives that allow for more extensive customization options.

Some popular third-party file explorer alternatives for Windows 8 include:

• Explorer++: A lightweight and feature-packed alternative to the default File Explorer.
• Total Commander: A powerful file manager with a dual-pane interface and advanced file handling capabilities.
• Clover: Adds a tabbed interface to File Explorer, similar to web browsers.

These third-party file explorers offer various customization options, including the ability to hide or rearrange interface elements, giving you more control over your browsing experience.

Enhance Your Windows 8 Experience by Removing the Preview Pane

The Preview Pane in Windows 8 can be a handy feature for some users, but if you find it unnecessary or hindering your workflow, removing it is a simple process. By disabling the Preview Pane through the File Explorer Options, using Registry Editor to modify the Windows Registry, or exploring third-party file explorer alternatives, you can customize your Windows 8 interface to suit your preferences and increase productivity. So go ahead and reclaim your screen space by removing the Preview Pane in Windows 8.

Removing the Preview Pane in Windows 8

If you're using Windows 8 and find the preview pane feature to be more of a hassle than a helpful tool, you'll be pleased to know that you can easily remove it. Here are two methods to accomplish this:

Method 1: Disabling the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer

To disable the preview pane in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• In the top right corner of the window, click on the "View" tab.
• Under the "Layout" section, click on the "Preview pane" button to deselect it.

Method 2: Modifying the File Explorer Options

If you prefer to permanently remove the preview pane from all folders, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• In the top left corner of the window, click on the "File" tab.
• Select "Change folder and search options."
• In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "General" tab.
• Under the "Navigation pane" section, uncheck the box next to "Show preview handlers in preview pane."
• Click "Apply" and then "OK."

Frequently Asked Questions

Remove Preview Pane in Windows 8 - Frequently Asked Questions Preview panes can be a useful feature in Windows 8, allowing you to preview the contents of a file without having to open it. However, if you find that the preview pane is taking up too much space or simply want to remove it, here are some frequently asked questions about how to do so:

1. Can I remove the preview pane in Windows 8?

Yes, you can remove the preview pane in Windows 8. It is a customizable feature that allows you to personalize your desktop and workflow. Removing the preview pane can free up valuable space on your screen and simplify your workspace. To remove the preview pane in Windows 8, you can follow these steps: 1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop. 2. From the context menu, select "View". 3. In the "View" submenu, uncheck the "Preview pane" option. This will remove the preview pane from your desktop.

2. Will removing the preview pane affect my ability to preview files?

No, removing the preview pane in Windows 8 will not affect your ability to preview files. Windows 8 provides various other ways to preview files without the need for the preview pane. You can still use the file explorer's built-in preview feature, or you can open files in their respective applications to preview their contents. Removing the preview pane is a personal preference and can help streamline your desktop if you find that the space is better utilized for other purposes.

3. Can I reinstall the preview pane in Windows 8 after removing it?

Yes, you can reinstall the preview pane in Windows 8 if you decide that you want to use it again. The process to reinstall the preview pane is straightforward. To reinstall the preview pane in Windows 8, you can follow these steps: 1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop. 2. From the context menu, select "View". 3. In the "View" submenu, check the "Preview pane" option. This will reinstall the preview pane on your desktop. Keep in mind that reinstalling the preview pane will bring back the same space it previously occupied on your screen.

4. Are there any alternative ways to preview files without using the preview pane?

Yes, there are alternative ways to preview files in Windows 8 without using the preview pane. Here are some options: 1. Use the file explorer's built-in preview feature: In the file explorer, select a file and click on the "Preview" button in the toolbar. This will open a preview pane within the file explorer, allowing you to preview the contents of the file. 2. Open files in their respective applications: Instead of relying on the preview pane, you can simply open files in their respective applications to preview their contents. For example, if you want to preview a Word document, open it in Microsoft Word. These alternative methods provide flexibility and allow you to choose the most convenient way to preview files based on your workflow and preferences.

5. Can I remove the preview pane in specific folders or only on my desktop?

In Windows 8, you have the option to remove the preview pane either on your desktop or in specific folders. If you find that the preview pane is particularly intrusive in certain folders, you can remove it from those folders while keeping it active on your desktop or vice versa. To remove the preview pane in specific folders, you can follow these steps: 1. Open the folder where you want to remove the preview pane. 2. Click on the "View" tab in the file explorer's ribbon menu. 3. In the "Layout" section, click on the "Preview pane" button to toggle it off. By customizing the presence of the preview pane in specific folders, you can optimize your workspace and prioritize screen real estate where it matters most.

To remove the preview pane in Windows 8, you can follow these simple steps. First, go to the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar. Then, click on the 'View' tab at the top of the window. In the 'Layout' section, you will find the 'Preview pane' option. Simply click on it to toggle it off.

Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Alt + P to toggle the preview pane on or off. This can be a quick and convenient way to remove the preview pane without going through the File Explorer menu. By removing the preview pane, you can free up space on your screen and customize your Windows 8 experience to suit your preferences.