SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic, and it uses texts to describe the image. Since SVG files can be resized to any size without compromise on quality of image, they are now most widely used for illustrations and icons.
Windows 11 File Explorer has a great feature of showing preview of image when you select items to view as large or extra large icons. This allow users to go through their list of photos without opening them.
However, by default, this feature works with common image file extensions such as PNG, JPG etc. In case of SVG files, the File Explorer shows simple thumbnail, and not preview.
Luckily, there is a solution for that, and it will be very handy for you if you have bunch of SVGs because opening them one by one will take lot of your time.
So here’s how to enable SVG files preview in File Explorer on Windows 11:
Step 1: Download a free utility called PowerToys from GitHub and install it.
Step 2: Once it is installed, launch it and open its Settings.
Step 3: Select “General” tab in the left sidebar. Click on “Restart as administrator” button under “Administrator mode”.
Step 4: Once PowerToys restarts, open its Settings again.
Step 5: Click on “File Explorer add-ons” in left panel.
Step 6: Under “Preview Pane”, toggle the switch to on for “Enable SVG (.svg) preview” option. Similarly, toggle to switch to on for “Enable SVG (.svg) thumbnails” under “Icon Preview”.
Step 7: Restart your Windows 11 computer. Once it reboots, launch PowerToys and confirm it is running by checking its icon in the taskbar.
That is it! We hope that after following this guide, you will be able to enable thumbnail previews for SVG files in File Explorer on Windows 11.
