If you have uploaded a file on OneDrive, but it displays an error message saying Hmm… looks like this file doesn’t have a preview we can show you, here is how you can fix it. This article elaborates on why this issue occurs and what are the possible ways to solve it. Although there is a 50-50 chance of getting back the preview, you should try out these solutions before deciding on your next step.
This specific error message can appear for any kind of file, including image, video, document, etc. OneDrive displays this message when users click on the file to check a preview.
Hmm… looks like this file doesn’t have a preview we can show you OneDrive error
To fix the “Hmm… looks like this file doesn’t have a preview we can show you” error, follow these steps:
- Make sure that OneDrive supports the file format
- Wait for some time and reload the page
- Fix the corrupted file
- Disable your extensions
- Clear cache and cookies
- Use another web browser.
To know the steps in detail, read on.
1] Make sure that OneDrive supports the file format
This is the first thing that you should do. OneDrive supports a variety of file formats but not all file formats. The file formats supported by OnrDrive are available on the official website of Microsoft. If the file you want to preview in OneDrive is in an unsupported format, you cannot preview it in OneDrive. In such a case, you can convert the file into one of the file formats supported by OneDrive or you can use another way to preview that file like installing a Universal File Viewer software that supports more than 100 file formats.
2] Wait for some time and reload the page
It sounds silly, but it works. When you upload a file, some background processes run to render your file before it appears on the screen. If you interrupt the screen by doing something else, you might get the problem. OneDrive requires a minute or two before showing a preview of the file, and the time depends on your file size.
3] Fix the corrupted file
When a file is damaged, you cannot expect OneDrive to show the preview. It is a common problem among Windows users, who use the OneDrive desktop app and have malware in their PC. If malware or adware has corrupted the file on your computer, OneDrive cannot show the preview as it should. You could use some tools and techniques to get back malware-corrupted files. Before that, you should run an anti-malware scan to disinfect your computer.
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can recover the corrupted OneDrive file(s). Microsoft 365 subscribers can log In to their OneDrive account in their web browsers and then select the file to restore it. You will see the activity of your last 30 days. Now, you can recover your file as per your requirement.
4] Disable your extensions
An installed extension might be preventing OneDrive from functioning properly. We suggest you disable all the installed extensions and then check if the problem is fixed. If this works, you can find out the problematic extension. To do so, start enabling all the extensions and reload the OneDrive page to preview the file again. When the issue reappears, the extension you have just enabled is the culprit.
5] Clear cache and cookies
Sometimes, cache and cookies cause problems with the browser and applications opened in the browser. In such a case, deleting the cache and cookie data can help. You can also try this. clear the cache and cookies of your browser. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Delete keys of your web browser. This will open the Clear History window. This shortcut works for almost all web browsers. Now, delete the cache and cookies.
6] Use another web browser
We also suggest you try using another web browser and see if OneDrive works there. If OneDrive shows the file preview in another web browser, the issue is associated with your previous web browser. In this case, resetting the affected web browser fixes the problem.
Different web browsers may use different terms regarding this. For example, Firefox uses the Refresh Firefox option, whereas, Chrome and Edge use the Reset option.
That’s it. I hope this helps.
How do I preview files in OneDrive?
To preview your files in OneDrive, log in to your Microsoft account in your web browser and then select the file that you want to preview. OneDrive will automatically show you the preview of that file, provided that the file is in supported format.
Who can see your OneDrive files?
The OneDrive library provided to you is protected from public viewing by default. Therefore, only you can access or view your files in OneDrive unless you share a particular file or folder with another person.
Read next: Cannot download OneDrive files on Windows PC.
