Solved Random file appearing on desktop.

So I noticed a random file on my desktop called Thumbs.
Screenshot: Screenshot by Lightshot
I'm pretty sure it is safe, but where does it really belong at? Idk how it got moved or anything

You can delete it, it shows up when you have a Folder on your desktop that has Images in it. You can also delete the "Desktop.ini" files.


"Thumbs.db" is actually a database file for Thumbnails. You can delete it from the desktop, but if it is in any Folder with Images that is on the desktop, you have to leave it there or your Thumbnails will vanish and it will just re-create the file.

As to how it got there, you probably opened your Desktop Folder in your User's folder with Explorer, and whatever View setting you chose got saved in that DB file.

So since I made an invisible folder and changed the icon, I should leave it? and could I like move it to a hidden place and it won't be bothered?

Try it, the Thumbs.db for the invisible folder should be inside of the invisible folder, so any Thumbs.db on the desktop can be deleted.

The only reason Thumbs.db should show up is if you have turned on Show Hidden Operating System Files in Folder Options. Normally this file, and Desktop.ini and such are hidden in explorer unless that setting is on.

You can delete these files, but chances are they will just come back. Because the OS uses them for specific purposes. The only solution to get rid of them is to turn off Hidden OS Files.

Mystere, a "Thumbs" will show up on the desktop when opening the Desktop as a Folder from Explorer. I've deleted the same files form my desktop and it does not seem to affect the appearance of my personalized Folders. That only happens when I delete the Thumbs file which is inside of the said folders. And yes, you have to have "Show Hidden Files and Folders" turned on to see it, that setting is in Folder View Options.

I suppose it acts like this in any version of Windows 8.

The thumbs file im seeing is from 2012, and I just got my pc in 2013. Screenshot by Lightshot

does that mean I shouldn't delete it or is it still safe to delete?

It is probably dated per the date Windows 8 was actually installed in the machine, which could be several months prior.