If you can’t wait for Microsoft’s update and want to see what a file contains without opening any apps on your desktop, you can download a free tool called “QuickView” from the Microsoft Store. PowerToys Peek definitely seems like a smart little useful piece of software for Windows and it would be completely free with no ads. It’s worth noting that the feature is still a prototype and it’s not yet ready for consumers. Select a file and either click alt+p, or go to the View menu. This feature is particularly useful when you’re browsing folders containing media files and want to be sure a certain image is what you think it is before you delete it or perform other actions. First, in Windows 10 File Explorer (or earlier Windows Explorer), there is a preview feature. Shift + spacebar shortcut triggers the handy PowerToys Peek feature on Windows and it works only when the app is running in the background and performance is much better than third-party apps because of Photos app integration. It is also possible to zoom in or out of previewed images and edit them in the Microsoft Photos app. Unlike the third-party tools, PowerToys Peek feature uses the Microsoft Photos app to render the preview of the media. Even if you are not into customization, Firefox, just as a browser, works wonders both in terms of performance and privacy. It is an open-source project and is known for its vast extension support. You’ll need to tap the key again to close it – or you can also hit the Enter key. Firefox is a popular browser for Windows and other platforms.

Space bar preview on windows 10