How to Fix Photos App Not Working in Windows 11 and 10

If your Photos app isn’t working correctly on Windows 11 or Windows 10, it can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it to view or organize your images. This guide will walk you through practical troubleshooting steps to get the Photos app functioning smoothly again. Before starting, ensure your system is up to date and you have administrator privileges on your PC, as some fixes require elevated permissions.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator access to your Windows PC
• Internet connection for downloading updates and apps
• Basic familiarity with Windows Settings and Command Prompt (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step

1. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. Save your work and restart your PC to see if the Photos app works afterward.
2. Update Windows: Ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated, as updates often include bug fixes.
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • Install any available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
3. Reset the Photos App: Resetting can fix corrupted app data.
   • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find and select “Photos” from the list.
   • Click on “Advanced options.”
   • Scroll down and click “Reset.” Confirm if prompted.
4. Reinstall the Photos App: If resetting doesn’t help, reinstall the app.
   • Open PowerShell as administrator (search for PowerShell, right-click, select “Run as administrator”).
   • Type: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage and press Enter.
   • To reinstall, type: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" and press Enter.
5. Check for Corrupted System Files: Use System File Checker.
   • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   • Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
6. Clear the Cache of the Photos App: Sometimes, cache corruption causes issues.
   • Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState.
   • Delete all files in this folder.
   • Restart your PC and open the Photos app again.
7. Check for Conflicting Apps or Drivers: Disable third-party applications or drivers that might interfere with the Photos app, like certain graphics software or overlays.
8. Use the Windows Troubleshooter: Windows provides built-in troubleshooters.
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
   • Select “Windows Store Apps” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”
   • Follow the prompts to identify and fix issues.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping Windows updates—outdated OS can cause app issues.
• Uninstalling system apps directly without using PowerShell commands—can lead to incomplete removal or system instability.
• Ignoring the need to restart after applying updates or resets—many fixes require a reboot to take effect.
• Using incompatible third-party apps that interfere with the Photos app—ensure no overlay or screen capture tools are active.

Tips

• Always back up your important photos before performing resets or reinstallations.
• Keep your Windows system and drivers up to date to prevent compatibility issues.
• If the Photos app continues to malfunction, consider using alternative image viewers temporarily.
• Regularly clear app caches to prevent buildup of corrupted data.
• Check online forums or Microsoft’s support site if your issue persists for specific troubleshooting tailored to your error messages.

Troubleshooting

If the above steps don’t resolve the problem, consider the following advanced troubleshooting options:

• Perform a System Restore: Restore your system to a point before the Photos app stopped working.
  • Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu.
  • Click “System Restore” and follow the prompts to select a restore point.
• Reset Windows: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix persistent issues but will remove installed applications.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Select “Reset this PC” and choose whether to keep your files or do a clean install.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Photos app crashing unexpectedly?

This can be caused by corrupted cache, outdated app version, or Windows system issues. Resetting or reinstalling often fixes this.

2. How do I update the Photos app?

You can update it via the Microsoft Store: open the Store, go to Downloads & Updates, and check for updates.

3. Can I use a different app to view my photos?

Yes, alternatives like IrfanView, FastStone, or even Windows Photo Viewer can be used temporarily or permanently.

4. Will resetting the Photos app delete my photos?

No, resetting only affects app data, not your actual image files stored on your PC.

5. What if the Photos app still doesn’t work after troubleshooting?

Consider performing a system restore or reinstalling Windows if the issue persists, but back up important data first.

6. Is there a way to repair Windows without losing data?

Yes, using tools like the System File Checker or in-place upgrade repair can fix system issues without data loss.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to resolve most problems with the Photos app on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and clearing cache, can prevent future issues. If problems continue, seeking professional support or visiting Microsoft’s official support channels is recommended.

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