Although these files are harmless, sometimes they can cause problems. For example, if you moved content from a Windows 10 device to a network shared, and then you want to delete a folder, you may end up with a “The action can’t be completed because the file is open in Windows Explorer” message referring to the “thumbs.db” file that will prevent you from removing the folder. In this guide, you will learn the steps to delete thumbs.db files to remove network folders using File Explorer on Windows 10.

Delete network folder with thumbs.db from File Explorer Delete network folder with thumbs.db disabling preview cashing

Delete network folder with thumbs.db from File Explorer

To delete folders with thumbs.db file on Windows 10, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the thumbs.db file should delete without problems. However, if the steps don’t work, you can switch to another view and choose the Details views again.

Delete network folder with thumbs.db disabling preview cashing

If the thumbs.db refuses to be deleted. You can try disabling the thumbnail previews feature on Windows 10.

Disable thumbs.db from Group Policy

To disable thumbs.db caching for network folders, use these steps: After you complete the steps, you should now be able to delete network folders with thumbs.db files.

Disable thumbs.db from Registry

To delete network shares with thumbs.db with the Registry, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the new settings will apply, and you should now be able to delete thumbs.db files without the “The action can’t be completed because the file is open in Windows Explorer” message.

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