Windows – What are Thumbs.db files for? How can I prevent them from being created?

What are Thumbs.db files for? I’ve seen them mostly in picture folders. Wherever pictures like icons and wallpapers are located, a Thumbs.db is automatically generated. I’ve deleted them many times, but they just appear again after some time.

I initially thought that these files were related to a virus, but they are not because my antivirus gave them a clean chit. I also tried Combofix and malwarebyte.

Solution:

thumbs.db is where the thumbnail images for files are stored. They will only be visible if you have your folder options set to display hidden and system files. They are not viral.

If you delete a thumbs.db file, the next time you open that folder, Windows will have to re-determine the thumbnail for each file.

Also, in Folder Options, selecting “Do not cache thumbnails” will prevent the thumbs.db files from being created.

However, these files help the computer navigate through your directories more quickly, so unless you have a specific reason for not needing or wanting them, just leave them alone.