Windows Photos is an essential application for many users, allowing them to view, edit, and organize their photos and videos seamlessly. However, like any software, it can run into issues that hinder its performance. If you find yourself facing the frustrating situation of the Windows Photos app not working, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the various troubleshooting techniques and solutions to get it back up and running smoothly.
Understanding the Windows Photos App
Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it is crucial to understand the Windows Photos app and its primary functions. The app is designed to manage photo and video files easily, offering features such as:
- Viewing images in various formats
- Basic editing tools like cropping, rotating, and filtering
- Organizing photos into albums
- Creating slideshows and videos
While the Windows Photos app is generally user-friendly and efficient, problems can arise due to various reasons, including software glitches, corrupted files, or issues with Windows itself. The following sections will explore potential causes of the app’s malfunction and how to address them.
Common Issues with the Windows Photos App
When users report that their Windows Photos app is not functioning, there are several common issues that they might be encountering. Understanding these problems can make it easier to troubleshoot and resolve them. Here are some typical issues:
1. App Crashing
One of the most frustrating problems is when the app crashes sporadically or doesn’t open at all. This issue may result from underlying bugs in the application, conflicts with other software, or system resource limitations.
2. Photos Not Loading
Users often experience an issue where photos or videos do not load, displayed as blank tiles or a loading spinner indefinitely. This problem can stem from corrupted files or poor connectivity for online images.
3. Edit Features Malfunctioning
Sometimes users might be able to open the app but find that the editing features are not functioning correctly. For instance, attempting to apply a filter or crop an image may result in an error message.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
If the Windows Photos app is not responding as expected, following these basic steps might resolve the issue:
1. Restart Your PC
The first step in troubleshooting any application-related issue is to restart your computer. This simple act can clear temporary files and refresh system memory, potentially resolving minor glitches.
2. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently rolls out updates for Windows and its applications. Keeping your system up to date can rectify problems that might be causing the Photos app to misbehave.
To check for updates:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security and select Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the basic troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issues, consider the following advanced techniques:
1. Reset the Windows Photos App
Resetting the Photos app can often clear up persistent issues by restoring it to its default state. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select Apps and then Apps & features.
- Scroll down to find Photos, click on it, and select Advanced options.
- Under the “Reset” section, click Reset.
2. Reinstall the Photos App
If resetting the app does not help, reinstalling it might be the best solution. Follow these steps to uninstall and reinstall the Photos app:
Uninstalling the Photos App
- Open PowerShell as an administrator by searching it in the Start menu.
- Type the command Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage and press Enter.
Reinstalling the Photos App
To reinstall, simply use the Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- In the search bar, type “Photos” and select the Windows Photos app from the results.
- Click on the Install button to download the app again.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix apps not working correctly. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Settings.
- Select Update & Security and go to Troubleshoot.
- Scroll down and select Additional troubleshooters.
- Click on Windows Store Apps and then Run the troubleshooter.
Ensuring Compatibility with Windows Settings
Sometimes the Photos app might not work correctly due to specific Windows settings like privacy settings or file permissions. Here’s how to ensure that the app has the necessary access:
1. Adjust Privacy Settings
The Photos app requires certain permissions to access your files and folders. To check and adjust these settings:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy and select Photos.
- Ensure that Let apps access your photos is toggled on.
2. Verify File Permissions
Another common issue is improper file permissions. To check:
- Right-click the folder containing your photos and select Properties.
- Go to the Security tab and ensure your user account has Read and Write permissions.
Using Alternative Apps While Troubleshooting
While resolving issues with the Windows Photos app, users may need a temporary alternative to manage their images. Several third-party applications can serve this purpose effectively:
- IrfanView: A lightweight image viewer with editing capabilities.
- Photoscape: An all-in-one tool that allows for viewing and editing images.
These applications can ensure you continue to access and manage your photos while you troubleshoot the Windows Photos app.
Conclusion
Encountering issues with the Windows Photos app can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for managing your precious memories. The good news is that most problems can be addressed using the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide. Whether through basic solutions like restarting your PC or advanced methods such as resetting or reinstalling the app, you can restore its functionality.
Remember that keeping your Windows operating system updated is crucial for maintaining optimal performance for all applications, including Windows Photos. Should you continue to experience issues after exhausting all solutions, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Windows Photos app is always ready to showcase your cherished images and videos.
What should I do if the Windows Photos app won’t open?
If the Windows Photos app refuses to open, the first step is to restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix underlying issues. After restarting, try launching the app again to see if the problem persists. If it still doesn’t open, consider running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. You can find this tool in the Settings app under ‘Update & Security’ and then ‘Troubleshoot.’
If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to reset the Photos app. Open the Settings app, navigate to ‘Apps,’ then find ‘Photos’ in the list of installed applications. Click on it, and select ‘Advanced options.’ Here, you can reset the app, which will clear its cache and data, often solving loading problems without affecting your photos.
Why are my images not displaying in the Photos app?
If your images are not displaying in the Photos app, it could be due to a corrupted file or unsupported file format. First, check if the images open in another application or web browser. If they do not display there either, the files may be corrupted. In this case, try to recover the files from a backup if you have one. If the files are okay, ensure that they are in a format supported by the Photos app, such as JPEG, PNG, or BMP.
Additionally, outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can affect how images are rendered in the Photos app. Consider updating your graphics drivers by going to Device Manager, right-clicking the display adapter, and selecting ‘Update driver.’ After updating the drivers, restart your computer and try to open the Photos app again to see if the issue is resolved.
How can I fix slow performance in the Windows Photos app?
To address slow performance in the Windows Photos app, first ensure your system has enough resources available. Check if there are too many applications running in the background by using the Task Manager to close unnecessary programs. You might also consider increasing your system’s performance by disabling visual effects and optimizing startup programs.
Moreover, clearing the app’s cache can help improve its responsiveness. Navigate to the app settings by going to ‘Apps’ in the Settings menu, locating the Photos app, selecting ‘Advanced options,’ and then clicking on ‘Reset.’ This process clears stored data and cache, which can significantly enhance the performance of the application.
What do I do if I receive an error message while using the Photos app?
When you encounter an error message while using the Photos app, take note of the specific error code or message that appears. You can search for this error code online to find more targeted solutions that may relate to the issue you are facing. This may give you ideas on potential fixes, such as installing missing updates or correcting specific settings.
If the error persists, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the Photos app to fix the problem. To do this, open PowerShell with administrative privileges, type the command “Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Remove-AppxPackage,” and press Enter. After the app is uninstalled, you can either download it again from the Microsoft Store or use the command “Get-AppxPackage -allusers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}” to reinstall it.
Can I recover deleted photos from the Photos app?
If you’ve accidentally deleted photos from the Windows Photos app, check the Recycle Bin first. Deleted images often go there and can be easily restored. Open the Recycle Bin, find your deleted photos, right-click on them, and select ‘Restore.’ This will move them back to their original location, and they should reappear in the Photos app.
If the photos are not in the Recycle Bin, you may need to resort to backup solutions if you had previously set up File History or any third-party backup application. If neither of these options is available, consider using a data recovery software that can scan your drive for deleted files. Make sure to act quickly, as continued use of your drive can overwrite the space where the deleted files are stored, making recovery much harder.
How can I adjust the settings of the Windows Photos app?
To adjust settings in the Windows Photos app, open the application and click on the three-dot menu at the top right corner. From here, select ‘Settings’ to access a variety of options, such as changing the default app for photo viewing, toggling the option for background music when viewing slideshows, or enabling or disabling cloud integrations with OneDrive.
Additionally, you can also manage how the Photos app organizes your photos. In the settings menu, you can enable or disable features like grouping by folders, albums, or date. Adjusting these settings can help personalize your experience and ensure that the Photos app operates in a way that best suits your needs.
Why does the Photos app keep crashing?
If the Photos app keeps crashing, it may be due to corrupted app data or system conflicts. Start by clearing the app’s cache and resetting it through the ‘Apps’ menu in the Settings app. As previously mentioned, finding ‘Photos’ in the installed applications list and selecting ‘Advanced options’ will allow you to reset the app, which often resolves instability issues.
Moreover, check for Windows updates and ensure that both your operating system and the Photos app are up to date. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and crashes. Navigate to Settings, click on ‘Update & Security,’ and click ‘Check for updates.’ After updating, restart your device, and test if the Photos app functions properly without crashing.
How do I reinstall the Photos app on Windows?
To reinstall the Photos app on Windows, open PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting ‘Run as administrator.’ In the PowerShell window, type the command “Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Remove-AppxPackage” to uninstall the app.
After uninstalling, you can reinstall the Photos app from the Microsoft Store. Open the Store, search for “Photos,” and click ‘Install’ to download it again. Alternatively, you can run the command “Get-AppxPackage -allusers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}” in PowerShell to reinstall it without needing the Store. Restart your computer after reinstallation to ensure everything is set up correctly.