Is it safe to delete Thumbs.db?

Yes. Windows recreates it when it needs thumbnails again.

How do I stop Windows creating Thumbs.db?

Turn on 'Always show icons, never thumbnails' in File Explorer Options, or disable it via Group Policy.

Why can't I delete a folder because of Thumbs.db?

Explorer may be using it to build previews. Close the window or wait, then try again.

What Is Thumbs.db?

You keep finding Thumbs.db in your folders. It is a Windows thumbnail cache. Here is what it does and how to remove or disable it.

What Thumbs.db is

Thumbs.db is a hidden Windows file that caches thumbnail images for a folder — so photo and video previews load instantly the next time you open it.

Why it can be a nuisance

It appears on network shares and in backups, and it can lock a folder ("file in use") when you try to delete or rename the folder while Explorer is generating thumbnails.

How to disable it

In File Explorer Options → View, enable Always show icons, never thumbnails, or via Group Policy: User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer → Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files.

Is it safe to delete?

Yes. Windows rebuilds it as needed; you only lose the cached previews, which regenerate.