Are you experiencing issues with the Windows 10 Photos app? You’re not alone. Many users have encountered problems ranging from the app crashing to images not displaying correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the reasons why Windows 10 Photos may not be working and provide you with practical solutions to get it back up and running smoothly.
Understanding the Windows 10 Photos App
Before we dive into the troubleshooting methods, it’s essential to understand what the Photos app is and why it matters. The Windows 10 Photos app is a built-in application that allows users to view, edit, and manage their photo and video collections seamlessly. It integrates with cloud services, social media, and provides tools for organizing your media library.
However, like any software, it may face issues due to various factors such as updates, user settings, or external conflicts. Let’s explore the common problems users face with the Photos app and how to resolve them.
Common Issues with Windows 10 Photos
Some of the most frequently reported issues with the Windows 10 Photos app include:
- The app crashes unexpectedly.
- Photos fail to load or display as broken links.
- Error messages popping up during use.
- The app takes an unusually long time to open.
These problems can hinder your experience and may even prevent you from accessing your important media files. To effectively fix these issues, we need to understand the underlying causes.
Causes of Windows 10 Photos Not Working
Several factors may contribute to the Photos app not functioning properly. Here are some common reasons:
1. Outdated Software
Software, including apps built into Windows 10, regularly receives updates to fix bugs, patch security holes, and add new features. If your version of Windows 10 or the Photos app itself is out-of-date, you may experience malfunctions.
2. Corrupted Cache or App Data
Temporary files and cache created by the Photos app can sometimes become corrupted, leading to issues. These files may need to be cleared for the app to function correctly.
3. File Format Compatibility
Sometimes the Photos app fails to load images because of unsupported file formats. While it supports most common formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF, there are some that may not be compatible.
4. Conflicting Applications
Other third-party applications, including those that handle media files, could conflict with the Photos app, causing it not to work as intended.
How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 Photos
Now that we have a grasp on the problems and potential causes, let’s look at actionable steps to troubleshoot the Windows 10 Photos app.
Step 1: Update Windows 10 and the Photos App
Keeping your system and applications updated is crucial for optimal performance. To check for updates, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to **Settings**.
- Click on **Update & Security**.
- Press **Check for updates** and install any available updates.
- To update the Photos app, open the **Microsoft Store**, go to **Downloads and updates**, and click on **Get updates**.
Step 2: Clear the Photos Cache
Clearing cache data can often resolve issues. Here’s how to do it:
- Press **Windows + R** to open the Run dialog.
- Type **%localappdata%** and press Enter.
- Navigate to the **Packages** folder and locate the **Microsoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe** folder.
- Open the **LocalCache** folder and delete the contents.
- Restart the Photos app.
Step 3: Reset the Photos App
Resetting the app can solve persistent problems. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to **Settings** and select **Apps**.
- Scroll to find the **Photos** app.
- Click on it and select **Advanced options**.
- Scroll down and click the **Reset** button.
After resetting, your settings will be reverted to the default, but your photos and videos will remain intact.
Step 4: Check File Formats
If photos are not displaying, confirm that they are in a supported format. The Photos app supports:
- JPEG
- PNG
- GIF
- DNG (raw image format)
Converting any unsupported formats to a compatible one could resolve the display issues.
Step 5: Reinstall the Photos App
If all else fails, reinstalling the app can help:
- Open **PowerShell** as an administrator by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
- Once uninstalled, reinstall the app from the **Microsoft Store**.
Get-AppxPackage *photos* | Remove-AppxPackage
Checking for External Conflicts
Sometimes, the conflict arises from interacting applications or file associations. Here’s how to manage them:
1. Default Application Settings
Ensure that the Photos app is set as the default for opening images:
- Go to **Settings** and select **Apps**.
- Under **Default apps**, make sure the Photos app is selected under **Photo viewer**.
2. Disable Conflicting Software
If you have any other photo or media management software installed, try disabling or uninstalling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue with the Photos app.
Recovery Options
If after all these steps your Windows 10 Photos app is still not working, you may want to consider system recovery options.
Using System Restore
Windows 10 allows you to restore your system to a previous state without losing personal files. Here’s how:
- Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and press Enter.
- In the System Properties window, click on **System Restore**.
- Follow the prompts to select a restore point.
Note: This will undo recent changes but leave personal files intact.
Conclusion
The Windows 10 Photos app is an essential tool for managing and enjoying your photo collections. While it may encounter issues from time to time, understanding the causes and following systematic troubleshooting steps can help restore its functionality. Remember, keeping your system updated and periodically clearing app cache can prevent many common problems. If all else fails, consider seeking professional help, as specific issues may require more in-depth technical support.
By employing the strategies outlined in this guide, you should be well-equipped to resolve your Windows 10 Photos app issues and get back to cherishing your memories without interruption. Happy photo viewing!
How do I fix a photos app that won’t open in Windows 10?
To resolve issues with the Photos app not opening, you can start by resetting the app through the Settings menu. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the Photos app in the list, click on it, and select Advanced options. From there, you can choose the option to Reset the app. This process can help clear any corrupted data that may be preventing it from launching correctly.
If resetting doesn’t work, you may want to consider reinstalling the Photos app. You can do this by using PowerShell, which allows you to uninstall and reinstall the app efficiently. To do this, right-click the Start button, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin), and use the command: “Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Remove-AppxPackage.” After this, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
Why are my photos not displaying properly in the Windows 10 Photos app?
If your photos are not displaying correctly, it could be due to a corrupted file or an incompatible format. First, ensure the file types you are trying to view are supported by the Photos app. Common formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF are typically supported; however, other formats may require third-party software to open.
Another possible solution is to update the Photos app to the latest version. An update might address bugs or glitches that are causing display issues. You can check for updates in the Microsoft Store by searching for the Photos app or going to the Updates section and ensuring everything is up to date.
What should I do if the Photos app crashes on startup?
If the Photos app is crashing when you try to open it, the first step is to ensure your Windows 10 is fully updated. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any available updates.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, try performing a clean boot of your system. This means starting Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help determine if there’s any third-party software causing the crash. After performing a clean boot, try opening the Photos app again to see if the problem persists.
How can I recover deleted photos from the Windows 10 Photos app?
If you’ve accidentally deleted photos from the Photos app, first check the Recycle Bin. Many users forget that deleted files often go there before being permanently erased. Simply open the Recycle Bin, look for your missing photos, right-click them, and select Restore.
If you previously used OneDrive for backup, there’s a chance your deleted photos are stored there. Log in to your OneDrive account online and check the Recycle bin in OneDrive. Photos can sometimes remain there for 30 days before being permanently deleted. If neither method works, consider using third-party recovery software designed for photo recovery, which can often restore lost files.
Why can’t I edit photos in the Windows 10 Photos app?
If you encounter issues with editing photos in the Photos app, first ensure that the app has permission to access your files. Go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and make sure the Photos app is allowed to access your photos. If access is restricted, you won’t be able to edit them properly.
Additionally, confirm that the photo file isn’t corrupted and is in a format that is compatible with the editing tools. Sometimes, Photos may have limited capabilities with certain file formats. You may want to convert your images to a more widely supported format like JPEG or PNG before attempting to edit.
How do I change the default app for opening photos in Windows 10?
To change the default app for opening photos, head over to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Scroll down until you see the option for “Choose default apps by file type.” Click on it, and you’ll find a list of file types including JPEG, PNG, and others. You can click on the current default app next to the file type you want to change and select a new app from the list.
If your desired app doesn’t appear in the list, you can also click on “Look for another app on this PC” to browse your files and find the application you wish to set as the default. Once you’ve made your selection, Windows will open that app by default whenever you click on a photo file type you’ve changed.