Where Are Thumbs.db Files Stored?

There is no single Thumbs.db location — Windows creates one hidden Thumbs.db inside every folder whose thumbnails it has cached, most often on network drives.

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Safe to delete?

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Short answer: Thumbs.db is not stored in one place. Windows writes a hidden Thumbs.db file inside each folder it has shown as thumbnails — you will find one sitting next to the images in that folder.

Why it is scattered

On network shares and removable drives, Windows caches thumbnails locally in a per-folder Thumbs.db so the folder opens faster next time. On local drives, modern Windows uses a central cache at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer instead, so you rarely see loose Thumbs.db files there.

How to see them

Open the folder with your pictures.
Enable Hidden items on the View tab — Thumbs.db is hidden and system.

Stop it being created

Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer, and enable Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files. This is the standard fix for Thumbs.db cluttering network folders.

FAQ

Is there one Thumbs.db or many?

Many. Windows creates a separate hidden Thumbs.db inside each folder it has displayed as thumbnails, especially on network and removable drives.

Is Thumbs.db safe to delete?

Yes. Windows rebuilds it automatically the next time you view the folder as thumbnails. Deleting it only clears the cached previews.

How do I stop Thumbs.db from coming back?

Use gpedit.msc and enable 'Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files', or set the equivalent registry value.