Forum Discussion

MirandaP's avatar
MirandaP
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Explorer preview stops working after the first time you click on a PDF file in Windows 11

I have a fairly new installation of Windows 11. My Dropbox is set to Online, so that it downloads the files as needed, and I am seeing the following strange behaviour: Open Explorer with Preview ...
desktop
Preview
View
Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago

Hi MirandaP, how are you today?

 

Interesting behavior. Could you also send me a few screenshots, in order for me to have a visual of what you described? 

 

Looking forward to your next response! 

MirandaP's avatar
MirandaP
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Sure.

 

Initial state. Note that all files are 'online only'.

 

After clicking on the file the first time:

 

After clicking on another file. This one previews OK too.

 

After clicking on the first file again. Note that the preview pane is empty.

 

After copying the file to a local folder. Preview shows as expected.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    4 years ago

    Excellent job with the screenshots MirandaP! 

     

    That's odd. Which version of our app do you use on your end? 

     

    Also, I know that'll sound trivial, but have you tried re-starting your device at all?

    • MirandaP's avatar
      MirandaP
      Explorer | Level 4
      4 years ago

      I'm on Dropbox v162.4.5419.

       

      I've just restarted my PC and it's doing exactly the same.

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        4 years ago

        Hey MirandaP, sorry to jump in, but could you try quitting the Dropbox desktop app and try again? 

         

        Let us know if the issue with your previews persists with the app completely closed and we'll take it from there. 

About View, download, and export

Node avatar for View, download, and export
Need support with viewing, downloading, and exporting files and folders from your Dropbox account? Find help from the Dropbox Community.

The Dropbox Community team is active from Monday to Friday. We try to respond to you as soon as we can, usually within 2 hours.

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X, Facebook or Instagram.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!