Users who rely on the preview pane to view documents quickly in the Windows File Explorer can get frustrated if they cannot view files there. In this case, the displayed error message says, “This file can’t be previewed because of an error in Microsoft Word Previewer,” while trying to view Word documents in the preview pane.
This Error in Microsoft Word can turn your productivity into a black hole by forcing you to open every single one.
So, let us embark on a quest to resolve the Word Previewer issue and get back to a seamless working mode but before that, if you would like to get a fair idea of tackling the Runtime Error On Microsoft Word then take a look at this troubleshooting guide too.
What Are The Causes Of The “This File Can’t Be Previewed” Error?
First, let us address the common causes of the “This file cannot be previewed” Error and then look for effective troubleshooting techniques to regain access to the documents quickly.
- Previewer glitch
- Corrupted file or system settings
- Disabled previewer
- File type limitations
- Compatibility issues between the Word previewer and file format
- Third-party integrations
How Can I Overcome The File Cannot Be Previewed Error?
Here are some of the solutions to resolve the message that says “This file cannot be previewed” Error:
1. Unblock The Word File
Unblocking a Word file is more about security than about the preview functionality. You can encounter this Error when the file has been blocked by Windows, which prevents the file from being opened or previewed. Unblocking this file will help you to deal with the situation, and this is how you can do it:
- Right-click the Word file you’re struggling with and select “Properties.”
- Click on “Unblock” if it’s displayed.
Note—A properly working Word file won’t have an “Unblock” button. So, if this method does not work for you, skip it and go to the next method.
- After unblocking, click “OK.”
- Now, you can open and preview the file without any further issues.
2. Troubleshoot For Multiple Word Files
Doing this will help ensure the files open correctly without getting the error message.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Word and click on “File”> “Options”.
- In the options menu, navigate to “Trust Center” and click “Trust Center Settings.”
- Under “Trusted Locations,” select “Add new location.”
- Choose the folder where you moved your files, and click “OK.”
- Confirm by clicking “OK” again.
3. Repair the Problematic Word File
If a file is corrupted or damaged, you will not be able to preview it properly, so repairing it can fix the issues with the file and allow it to be previewed correctly.
Here’s how you can repair a file:
- Click “This PC” and navigate the Word file you cannot preview.
- Right-click on that file and select the “Open with Option.”
- Now, click on the Microsoft Office Word option.
Note: You can also use the Repair feature to open the corrupted Word file.
To do so, follow the steps given below:
- Try opening another Word file.
- Click on the Office or File button in the left tab.
- Select Open, and then Browse option.
- Select the problematic file or the corrupted document.
- Click on the bottom drop-down menu for the “Open” option and select “Open and Repair.”
4. Update Microsoft Office and Windows
Updating MS Office and Windows will address compatibility issues, bugs, and outdated software that is likely to cause the Error. Also, Microsoft is known to release regular updates to fix known problems, improve functionality, and enhance security. By keeping both MS Office and Windows up-to-date, users can ensure that they are using the latest versions.
To update MS Office and Windows, here are the steps:
- Open Windows Settings.
- From the left Panel, select Windows Update and then choose Advanced Options.
- Next, turn on the toggle for Receive updates for other Microsoft products option.
- Finally, install the updates, if any.
- Once done, restart your PC and re-launch Word.
5. Repair or Reset Office
Repairing or resetting Office can help resolve the issue that may be responsible for causing the Error. By repairing or resetting MS Office, users can fix the Error preventing files from previewing in Word.
This is how it can be done:
- Press the Windows + I buttons on your keyboard to Open Settings.
- Select Apps from the given options and scroll down to find Office from the Installed Apps.
- Click on the three dots menu and select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and choose Repair.
Note: When you choose to Repair Office, the app’s data won’t be affected. If the Repair option does not work, then select the Reset option.
If you choose the Reset option, the app’s data will get deleted.
Choose either the Repair or Reset option and wait until the process is completed.
6. Close Unnecessarily Running Programs
Doing this will help free up system resources and reduce conflicts between programs. Also, closing unnecessary programs will ensure that MS Word has enough resources to run smoothly and preview the files correctly.
Follow the steps below and close the unnecessary running programs in the background:
- Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab and right-click the processes you want to close.
- Select the End Task option for each task you want to kill.
- Exit the window and try to open Word.
7. Reinstall Office
Reinstalling Office will reset any settings or configurations that may have changed or modified, which was probably responsible for this Error. In addition, you will be able to repair the corrupted or missing files by doing so.
This is how it can be done:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run utility.
- Enter ” appwiz.cpl ” in the Run dialog box.
- Press the Enter key to run the command.
- Find Microsoft Office from the installed apps, right-click on it, and select the Uninstall option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the entire process.
- Finally, reinstall Word and check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why Am I Unable To Preview The File?
If you can’t preview the file, it indicates that there is an issue preventing the preview feature from functioning properly. The problem can be associated with the previewer or with the specific file type or application.
- What Steps Can I Take To Enable File Preview In Outlook?
To enable file preview in Outlook, you must check your user settings and ensure that the appropriate settings are configured to allow previewing attachments.
- Is There A Way To Troubleshoot Errors With File Previews In Word Files?
If you encounter this Error, you must turn it off and enable the specific previewer to repair the MS Office installation and address the issue.
Closure
The “File cannot be previewed” error in Word is a frustrating obstacle that needs to be tackled efficiently by exploring the various troubleshooting steps. So, embrace the troubleshooting steps with patience and persistence and resolve the Error successfully by allowing users to preview their files with ease and efficiency.