Photos App Not Working on Windows 10? Fixes

If the Photos app on Windows 10 won’t open, crashes, freezes, or shows a blank screen, the problem is usually a corrupted app cache, an outdated app version, or a conflict with system settings. The fixes below resolve the vast majority of issues, starting with the quickest and safest methods and moving to more advanced troubleshooting. You don’t need to be a technical expert to try them.

Why the Photos App Fails

The Photos app in Windows 10 is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application, meaning it is distributed and updated through the Microsoft Store rather than as a standalone program. This architecture has several advantages, like automatic updates and a sandboxed environment, but it also means problems can arise from corrupted cache files, a broken app package, or interference from third-party antivirus software. Common triggers include:

• Corrupted cache files: The app stores thumbnails and metadata in a cache that can become corrupted after a crash or power failure.
• Outdated app version: Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs, but if the Store fails to update the app, older versions may have known issues.
• Conflicting system files: A Windows update or a third-party app can sometimes break the app’s registration.
• Insufficient permissions: If the app cannot access your Pictures folder or other libraries, it may fail to load thumbnails or open images.

Fix 1: Reset the Photos App

This is the single most effective fix for a non-working Photos app. It clears the app’s cache and resets its settings to default, without deleting your photos. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Scroll down to Microsoft.Photos (or search for “Photos” in the list).
4. Click on it, then select Advanced options.
5. In the new window, scroll down and click Reset. A confirmation dialog will appear; click Reset again.

Wait for the process to finish (it usually takes a few seconds), then reopen the Photos app. Your photos are safe, but you may need to re-sign into OneDrive if you used it within the app, and any custom settings (like the dark theme) will be reverted.

Fix 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems with Store apps, including the Photos app. This is a good second step because it requires no manual work and often resolves underlying issues with the app’s registration.

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters (if you don’t see the list directly).
3. Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool may take a few minutes to run and may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account.

After it finishes, restart your PC and try opening Photos again.

Fix 3: Re-register the Photos App

If resetting didn’t help, the app’s registration may be corrupted. Re-registering the app using PowerShell forces Windows to reinstall the app’s package without losing your data. This is a safe procedure, but it requires a few steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for the command to complete. It may take a minute or two.
4. Close PowerShell and restart your computer.

This command re-registers the app with the system, which often fixes issues related to a broken installation.

Fix 4: Update the Photos App

Microsoft frequently releases updates for the Photos app that fix bugs and improve performance. If your app is outdated, updating it might resolve the issue. To check for updates:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Click the See more (three dots) icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Downloads and updates.
4. Click Get updates. The Store will check for updates for all apps, including Photos.

If an update is available, it will download and install automatically. After the update, restart your PC and test the Photos app.

Fix 5: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes the Photos app fails because of a bug in Windows itself. Microsoft rolls out cumulative updates that often include fixes for the Photos app and other built-in components. To check for updates:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If updates are available, install them and restart your PC.

After updating, try the Photos app again. It’s a good idea to keep Windows updated to avoid known issues.

Fix 6: Reinstall the Photos App

If none of the above fixes work, the final step is to completely uninstall and reinstall the Photos app. This is safe because it doesn’t affect your actual photos, but it will reset all app settings and preferences. Here’s how:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator (as in Fix 3).
2. Type the following command and press Enter to uninstall the app:
   Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage
3. Close PowerShell.
4. Reinstall the app by opening the Microsoft Store, searching for “Microsoft Photos”, and clicking Install.

After reinstalling, launch the Photos app. It will start fresh, and your photos will still be in your Pictures folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Photos app delete my photos?

No. Resetting the Photos app only clears the app’s cache and settings. Your actual photo files are stored in your Pictures folder and other locations, and are completely unaffected by any of the fixes listed above.

Why does the Photos app open but show a blank screen?

A blank screen usually indicates a corrupted cache or a problem with the app’s rendering engine. Try Fix 1 (Reset) first, as it clears the cache. If that doesn’t work, update the app and your Windows system, as a recent update may have introduced a bug.

Can I use the classic Windows Photo Viewer instead?

Yes, Windows 10 still includes the legacy Windows Photo Viewer, though it’s hidden by default. You can enable it by creating a registry key, but it’s not recommended for security reasons since it’s no longer updated. The Photos app is the supported option and the fixes above should get it working.

Why does the Photos app crash when I open a specific image?

If the app crashes only with certain images, the file might be corrupted or in an unsupported format. Try opening the image in another viewer (like a web browser) to confirm. If it opens there, the issue is with the Photos app’s codec; updating the app or Windows may add support for newer formats.

Do I need a Microsoft account to use the Photos app?

No. You can use the Photos app without a Microsoft account. However, some features like OneDrive backup and syncing across devices require a Microsoft account. If you’re not signed in, you can still view and edit photos locally.

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