Restore .psd thumbnails in Windows 10 by removing default file association in registry

Question

After upgrading from Windows 8.1 to 10, I noticed that .psd Photoshop files started having thumbnails again, something I've not seen since CS2. Once I tried to open a .psd, it asked me which app I'd like to use by default, so I chose Photoshop CC 2015. However, the thumbnails then disappeared to be replaced with Photoshop icons.

I'm thinking of trying to remove the default file association for .psd images, by deleting the registry keys as shown in this answer: https://superuser.com/a/49617/291776

This involves deleting HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.psd and/or HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.psd. If I do this, will I be able to set Photoshop as the default program again (with the Photoshop icon showing on .psd files) in case the thumbnails don't come back?

UPDATE:

The method I tried didn't work anyway. .psd files still had the Photoshop icon on them.

Solution

Yes, you should. The Windows Registry allows you to export keys, which means you can right click what you are about to delete, and click export, then save a .reg file. This will save your registry settings (the .psd key and all subkeys). Then, if you do not like your changes, you can simply right click the file you created and hit merge, and you will have your settings back (you will get a UAC prompt). You might need to log off/ restart to make the changes take effect.

Comments

[binaryfunt]

In preferences, it says 'Always save' image previews. And I think that image previews are being saved, but for some reason, the photoshop icon is shown instead of thumbnails when .psd files are set to automatically open with photoshop. But in any case, deleting the reg keys didn't do anything

[BlueWizard]

Previews will only show if you reach a specific i con size. Are the icons still hidden once you turn ob the icon size on your explorer window?

[binaryfunt]

Changing the icon size in file explorer doesn't show thumbnails

[Giacomo1968]

So is the answer to downgrade the installed version of of DC to XL? What site provided you with this info?

[binaryfunt]

This question is about .psd files, not .pdf