Photos Not Working on Windows 10: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Photos app refusing to open your precious memories? Are you seeing error messages or blank screens when you try to view your images? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users encounter problems with the Photos app. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your photos back on track.

Why is My Photos App Not Working?

Several factors can cause the Photos app to malfunction:

  • Corrupted App Files: Like any software, the Photos app can suffer from corrupted files, leading to crashes or errors.
  • Outdated App Version: Using an older version of the app might cause compatibility issues.
  • Software Conflicts: Conflicts with other applications or system processes can interfere with the Photos app’s functionality.
  • Incorrect App Settings: Misconfigured settings within the app can prevent it from working properly.
  • Driver Issues: Problems with your display drivers can sometimes affect image rendering.
  • Windows Update Issues: Partially installed or corrupted Windows updates can trigger app errors.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Photos App Issues

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving common Photos app problems:

1. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to fix issues with apps from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
  4. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  5. Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps.
  6. Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will automatically detect and attempt to fix common problems with Windows Store apps, including the Photos app.

2. Reset or Repair the Photos App

Resetting the app will clear all its data, while repairing attempts to fix the existing installation without deleting data. Try repairing first, and if that doesn’t work, try resetting.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Select Apps & features.
  4. Find the Microsoft Photos app in the list.
  5. Click on the app and select Advanced options.
  6. Scroll down to the Repair button and click it. Wait for the process to finish.
  7. If repairing doesn’t solve the problem, click the Reset button. Warning: This will delete all app data, including settings.

3. Reinstall the Photos App

If resetting doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Select Apps & features.
  4. Find the Microsoft Photos app in the list.
  5. Click on the app and select Uninstall.
  6. Confirm the uninstallation.
  7. Open the Microsoft Store.
  8. Search for “Microsoft Photos”.
  9. Click Install to reinstall the app.

4. Update Windows

Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date with the latest updates.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Check for updates.
  4. Install any available updates.

5. Update Display Drivers

Outdated or corrupted display drivers can cause issues with image rendering.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

6. Check File Associations

Make sure the Photos app is set as the default app for viewing images.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Select Default apps from the left-hand menu.
  4. Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
  5. Find common image file extensions like .jpg, .png, .bmp, and .gif.
  6. Ensure that the Microsoft Photos app is selected as the default app for these file types. If not, click on the current default app and select Microsoft Photos.

7. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) scan can detect and repair corrupted system files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. (Search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”.)
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
  4. Restart your computer after the scan is finished.

8. Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, other software can interfere with the Photos app. Try temporarily disabling or uninstalling any recently installed applications to see if that resolves the issue.

9. Create a New User Account

In rare cases, the problem might be related to your user profile. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Select Family & other users.
  4. Click on Add someone else to this PC.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
  6. Log in to the new user account and check if the Photos app works.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with the Photos app on Windows 10. If you’ve tried everything and the problem persists, consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.