How to fix .mov files not showing thumbnails.

Duncan Huaffe
Jun 4
1 min read

If .mov files transferred from your iPhone to a Windows PC aren't showing thumbnails, it's usually due to missing codecs or unsupported formats in Windows File Explorer. Here’s how to fix that:

✅ Fix 1: Install HEVC and HEIF Extensions from Microsoft

iPhones often record .mov videos using the HEVC (H.265) codec. Windows can't show thumbnails for these unless the correct codecs are installed.

Install HEVC Video Extensions:
- Go to the Microsoft Store.
- Install the HEVC Video Extensions (there may be a small charge, ~$0.99).
Install HEIF Image Extensions (helps with some thumbnail previews):
- HEIF Image Extensions – Microsoft Store

✅ Fix 2: Use a Third-Party Thumbnail Codec Pack

If you want a free alternative or thumbnails for more file types:

Install K-Lite Codec Pack (Full or Mega version):
- Download from: https://codecguide.com/download_kl.htm
- During installation, make sure thumbnail support for .mov is enabled.
- It includes Media Preview and Icaros, which generate thumbnails.
- Tutorial here https://youtu.be/5e0YCSK-ZXc

✅ Fix 3: Enable Thumbnails in File Explorer

Sometimes thumbnails are just disabled in settings.

Open any folder.
Click View > Show > Preview pane (Windows 11) or View > Options > View tab (Windows 10).
Make sure "Always show icons, never thumbnails" is unchecked.
Apply the setting.