Are you facing issues with Windows Photo Viewer on your Windows 10 system? You’re not alone! Many users have reported that their beloved photo viewer has stopped functioning correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the common reasons behind Windows Photo Viewer not working on Windows 10, along with effective troubleshooting tips and solutions to get it back up and running smoothly.
Understanding Windows Photo Viewer
Windows Photo Viewer is a classic application that allows users to view images and photos easily. While it was the default photo viewer in earlier versions of Windows, like Windows 7, Microsoft replaced it with the Photos app in Windows 10. However, many users prefer the simplicity and speed of Windows Photo Viewer, leading to its reinstallation or activation.
Common Issues with Windows Photo Viewer
Compatibility Issues: Since Windows Photo Viewer is not the default application in Windows 10, compatibility issues can arise when trying to run it on this newer operating system.
Incorrect File Associations: Sometimes, the file associations may have changed, leading Windows Photo Viewer to become unresponsive when trying to open specific image formats.
Corrupted Installation: Software corruption can occur due to a variety of reasons, including forced shutdowns, incomplete updates, or malware, causing Windows Photo Viewer not to work.
Missing Updates: Failing to install the latest Windows updates can also lead to functionality problems with various applications, including Windows Photo Viewer.
System File Corruption: Critical system files important for Windows Photo Viewer and the overall operating system may become corrupted, leading to application failures.
Getting Started: Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving deep into the technicalities, start with these basic troubleshooting steps that may resolve the issue quickly:
Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many software-related issues.
Check for Windows Updates
Ensure you are running the latest version of Windows 10. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click on Check for updates.
Detailed Troubleshooting: Fixing Windows Photo Viewer
If the basic troubleshooting steps fail, don’t worry! Here are some detailed solutions you can try:
Solution 1: Restore Windows Photo Viewer
Although Windows 10 doesn’t come with Windows Photo Viewer enabled by default, you can restore it via the Windows Registry. Here’s how:
- Open the Registry Editor:
Press Windows Key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter.Navigate to the Following Path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociationsCreate New Keys for Image Types:
- Right-click on the FileAssociations folder.
- Select New > String Value.
Input the following entries for common image formats:
.jpg–PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff.jpeg–PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff.png–PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Png.bmp–PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Bmp
Close the Registry Editor and Restart Your Computer.
Now, try opening your images with Windows Photo Viewer again.
Solution 2: Set Windows Photo Viewer as the Default Application
If you encounter issues opening images, ensure that Windows Photo Viewer is set as the default application for image files:
- Go to Settings:
Click on the Start Menu > Settings (gear icon).
Select Apps:
Click on Default apps from the left side menu.
Choose Default Apps by File Type:
- Scroll down to find the image file types you want to associate with Windows Photo Viewer, such as .jpg, .png, etc.
- Click on the current default app and select Windows Photo Viewer from the list.
Solution 3: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Running the built-in troubleshooter can help identify and fix problems with certain applications, including Windows Photo Viewer:
- Open Settings:
Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select Additional Troubleshooters:
Look for the option for Windows Store Apps and click on it.
Run the Troubleshooter:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and resolve issues with Windows Photo Viewer.
Solution 4: Repair Corrupted System Files
If you suspect that system file corruption is affecting Windows Photo Viewer, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) utility to repair damaged files:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
Right-click on the Start Menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Run the SFC Command:
Type the command
sfc /scannowand hit Enter.Wait for the Process to Complete:
- The SFC tool will scan and attempt to repair any corrupted system files automatically.
Solution 5: Reinstall Windows Photo Viewer
If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer. Here’s how you can do this:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator:
Right-click on the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Run the Following Command:
To reinstall the Windows Photo Viewer feature, use the command:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthWait for the Command to Execute:
- This command will restore all system components, including Windows Photo Viewer.
Alternative Photo Viewing Options
If all attempts to get Windows Photo Viewer working fail, you may want to consider alternative photo viewing applications that can provide similar functionalities. Here are a couple of recommendations:
1. IrfanView
IrfanView is a lightweight, fast, and free image viewer that supports a wide variety of image formats. Its interface is user-friendly, and it comes packed with tools for editing and enhancing photos.
2. FastStone Image Viewer
FastStone is another free, versatile image viewer that provides excellent options for viewing, managing, and editing images. It offers a clean interface and a wide range of features that users may find appealing.
Conclusion
Facing issues with Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10 can be frustrating, but the above troubleshooting methods should help you diagnose and resolve the problem efficiently. From restoring the application through registry modifications to setting it as the default viewer or repairing corrupted files, you’ll be back to enjoying your photo sessions in no time.
Remember, if you don’t find success with Windows Photo Viewer, there are plenty of alternative applications, like IrfanView and FastStone, that provide excellent functionality and user experience. Choose the best option that suits your needs and get back to enjoying your photos seamlessly!
What should I do if Windows Photo Viewer is missing in Windows 10?
If you’re unable to find Windows Photo Viewer on your Windows 10 device, it’s likely because Microsoft has replaced it with the Photos app. However, you can still enable Windows Photo Viewer through the Registry Editor. Be sure to create a backup of your system or the Registry before making any changes, as incorrect modifications can lead to system instability.
To restore Windows Photo Viewer, open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the search box and hitting Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociations and add the necessary file types you wish to associate with Windows Photo Viewer, such as .jpg and .png. This will enable the application to open the specified file formats again.
Why does Windows Photo Viewer not open certain file formats?
Windows Photo Viewer traditionally supports common image formats like JPEG, BMP, PNG, and TIFF. However, if you encounter issues with certain file types, it may be due to Windows Photo Viewer not being set as the default app for those formats. You can check and change this through the file properties or default apps in your system settings.
Another reason could be the presence of corrupt files or incompatible file types. Ensure that the image files are not corrupted by opening them in another image viewer. If they work normally elsewhere, it may be that the specific file format is not recognized by Windows Photo Viewer, in which case converting the file to a supported format may resolve the issue.
How can I fix Windows Photo Viewer when it crashes on startup?
If Windows Photo Viewer crashes upon launching, the first step is to ensure that your system is up to date. Check for Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and then clicking on “Check for updates.” Installing the latest updates can resolve bugs and improve app stability.
Additionally, you may want to repair the Windows Photos app, as it could be affecting the function of Windows Photo Viewer. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the Photos app, select it, and click on “Advanced options.” From there, choose the “Repair” option. This should help minimize conflicts that could lead to crashes in Windows Photo Viewer.
What do I do if images look distorted in Windows Photo Viewer?
If images appear distorted in Windows Photo Viewer, the issue may lie in the settings of your graphics card or the display settings. First, check if the display scaling is set correctly. Right-click on your desktop, select Display settings, and ensure that the scaling is at 100% for optimal display. This can often resolve issues with the presentation of images.
Moreover, updating your graphics drivers can resolve compatibility issues. Go to Device Manager, locate Display adapters, and right-click to update the driver. Sometimes, reverting to an older version of the driver can also fix distortion problems if the issue began after a recent update.
Can I use Windows Photo Viewer for editing images?
Windows Photo Viewer is primarily designed for viewing images rather than editing them. It offers basic functionalities like rotating and printing, but it doesn’t have advanced editing features. If you need more extensive editing capabilities, consider using a dedicated editing tool such as Microsoft Paint, Photos app, or third-party software like GIMP or Adobe Photoshop.
If you would like to perform simple adjustments, the Photos app bundled with Windows 10 provides options for cropping, color correction, and adding filters. To access these features, right-click on the image you want to edit and select “Edit,” which will open it in the Photos app for more versatile editing options.
What are the alternatives to Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10?
If Windows Photo Viewer isn’t meeting your needs or is not functioning correctly, there are several alternatives you can try. The built-in Photos app in Windows 10 offers a more modern interface and features like editing, tagging, and slideshow capabilities. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the latest versions of Windows, making it a reliable choice.
Additionally, you may consider third-party image viewers such as IrfanView, FastStone Image Viewer, or XnView. These applications often provide a wide range of features, including enhanced editing, batch processing, and support for various file formats. Downloading one of these alternatives can be a great way to ensure a smoother experience when viewing images on your Windows 10 device.
How can I reinstall Windows Photo Viewer if it’s not working properly?
Reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer directly is not an option since it is not included by default in the modern Windows 10 operating system. However, if you’ve customized the registry or installed a version of it, consider restoring it using a trusted script or tool that’s designed to re-enable Windows Photo Viewer. Make sure to follow instructions carefully to avoid issues with your system.
If issues persist, it might be a good idea to reset the entire Photos app, as it can interfere with Windows Photo Viewer’s functionality. You can do this by navigating to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, selecting the Photos app, and clicking on “Advanced options.” Then, use the Reset option to clear out any corrupted settings that may be causing conflicts.