If you're unable to open Microsoft Photos or Windows Photo Viewer on your Windows 10 system, don't worry, you're not alone. Many users have reported this issue, and while Microsoft hasn't provided a definitive solution, there are a few workarounds that have helped some users.
Check for Updates
The first thing you should do is check for updates to your Windows 10 system and the Photos app. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click on Check for updates. If there's an update available, install it and restart your computer. Then, try opening the Photos app again.
Reinstall the Photos App
If checking for updates doesn't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Photos app. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Microsoft Photos in the list, and click on Uninstall. Restart your computer, and then go to the Microsoft Store and search for "Photos" to reinstall it.
Run the Troubleshooter
Another solution is to run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Follow the prompts to let it diagnose and fix any issues it finds.
Create a Shortcut
If none of the above solutions work, you can try creating a shortcut to open the Photos app directly. Right-click on the Start button, select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)", and paste the following command:
Start "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsPhotos_11.2012.23101.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\Microsoft.WindowsPhotos.app"
Press Enter, and if the Photos app opens, create a shortcut to that location for easier access.
Use a Different Photo Viewer
If you're still having trouble with the Photos app, you can try using a different photo viewer, such as IrfanView or Fast Stone Image Viewer. These are free, lightweight, and highly capable photo viewers that work on Windows 10.
- Check for updates to your Windows 10 system and the Photos app.
- Uninstall and reinstall the Photos app.
- Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
- Create a shortcut to open the Photos app directly.
- Use a different photo viewer, such as IrfanView or Fast Stone Image Viewer.
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