Fixing Photos App Issues on Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

Is the Photos app not working correctly on your Windows 11 computer? This is a common problem, but thankfully, there are several solutions you can try. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps, from basic fixes to more advanced solutions, to get your Photos app back up and running.

Common Symptoms of Photos App Issues

Before diving into the solutions, let’s identify the symptoms:

  • Photos App Won’t Open: The app crashes or fails to launch.
  • Photos Not Displaying Correctly: Images appear distorted, blank, or with errors.
  • Slow Performance: The app takes a long time to load or open images.
  • Error Messages: You see error codes or messages when trying to use the app.
  • Missing Features: Some features of the app, like editing tools, are unavailable.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are several steps you can take to resolve issues with the Photos app on Windows 11. Start with the first step and proceed down the list if the problem persists.

1. Restart Your Computer

This is the simplest and often most effective solution. Restarting your computer closes all running processes and can resolve temporary glitches.

2. Update the Photos App

An outdated app version can cause compatibility issues. To update the Photos app:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click on the Library icon (usually located in the bottom-left corner).
  3. Click the Get updates button. This will update all installed apps, including Photos. If there are updates pending only for the Photos app, click the update button associated with the Photos app itself.

3. Reset or Repair the Photos App

Windows 11 provides options to repair or reset apps, which can fix corrupted files or settings.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Apps and then Apps & features.
  3. Find the Microsoft Photos app in the list.
  4. Click the three vertical dots next to the app and select Advanced options.
  5. First, try clicking the Repair button. This will attempt to fix any issues without deleting your data.
  6. If repairing doesn’t work, click the Reset button. Warning: This will delete the app’s data, including settings, so you might need to reconfigure the app after resetting it.

4. Reinstall the Photos App

If resetting doesn’t work, reinstalling the app can be a more drastic, but effective solution.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Apps and then Apps & features.
  3. Find the Microsoft Photos app in the list.
  4. Click the three vertical dots next to the app and select Uninstall.
  5. Confirm the uninstallation.
  6. Open the Microsoft Store.
  7. Search for Microsoft Photos and install the app.

5. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix problems with Microsoft Store apps.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on System and then Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Store Apps and click the Run button.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

6. Check File Associations

Sometimes, the Photos app may not be associated with the correct file types. To check and correct file associations:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Apps and then Default apps.
  3. Scroll down and click on Choose defaults by file type.
  4. Find the file extensions you want to associate with the Photos app (e.g., .jpg, .png, .bmp).
  5. If the Photos app isn’t the default, click on the current app and choose Photos from the list.

7. Update Windows

An outdated operating system can cause compatibility issues with apps. Ensure you have the latest Windows updates installed.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.

8. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can sometimes cause app issues. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair corrupted 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.

9. Check Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can sometimes cause display issues within the Photos app.

  1. Open Device Manager. (Search for it in the start menu).
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. If no updates are found, consider visiting the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers.

10. Create a New User Account

In rare cases, user profile corruption can cause app issues. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.

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

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with the Photos app on Windows 11. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and work your way up to the more complex ones. If none of these steps work, consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.