The Photos app in Windows 11 includes several new features and improvements, including a modern interface for browsing and organizing photos and videos, AI-powered editing tools, and integration with Clipchamp for video editing. The app also allows users to view, edit, and share photos and videos stored on OneDrive and iCloud. However, sometimes you may encounter issues where the Photos app fails to open, crashes unexpectedly, or displays error messages like “Access Denied on Process Exit” or “The app didn’t start.” Well, there are several reasons why the Microsoft Photos App is Not Opening, including outdated software, corrupted files, or issues with the app itself are common. Here are few proven methods that will fix and restore the functionality of the Photos app in Windows 11.
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Why photos app not working?
The Photos app might not work for various reasons, including corrupted app files, outdated versions, conflicts with other apps, or even issues with your Windows OS or graphics drivers.
- Corrupted App Files: The app’s files could be corrupted, preventing it from functioning correctly.
- Outdated Software: The Photos app or the operating system itself might be outdated, leading to compatibility problems or bugs.
- System Conflicts: Other applications or background processes might be interfering with the Photos app.
- Corrupted System Files: Faulty system files or dynamic link library (DLL) issues can disrupt app functionality.
- Storage Issues: Low storage space on the device can prevent the app from functioning properly or cause it to crash.
Restart Your Computer
A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches affecting the Photos app. This refreshes system processes and clears background services that may interfere with the app. Before applying advanced fixes, try the simplest one first—a full restart of your PC.
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Select the Power icon and choose Restart.
- Wait for the system to reboot, then try launching the Photos app again.
If a temporary issue caused the problem, the app should now open normally.
Update Windows 11 and the Photos App
An outdated operating system can cause compatibility issues with the Photos app. Again, sometimes a bug in the operating system or the Photos app itself can prevent it from launching. Installing the latest updates ensures you have bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC.
To Update the Photos App:
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Click the download tab on the left, and click Check for updates.
- If an update for Microsoft Photos is available, click Update.
- Relaunch the Photos app.
Repair or Reset the Photos App
Windows 11 includes built-in tools to repair or reset malfunctioning apps without needing third-party software. Well, repairing attempts to fix corrupted app files without affecting your app data. Resetting reinstalls the app and clears all associated settings, which can eliminate bugs or corruption.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for Microsoft Photos, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.
- First, click Repair and test the app. If it doesn’t work, click Reset and confirm.
Note: The Reset option will clear app preferences and login data.
Now relaunch the app to check if it opens correctly.
Reinstall Microsoft Photos via PowerShell
If the app is corrupted, repairing or resetting doesn’t help, uninstalling and reinstalling it can resolve the issue. Since the Photos app is a built-in app, you’ll need PowerShell to uninstall it.
- Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
- Type get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage and press Enter.
- This command removes the Photos app from Windows 11. Restart your PC.
Open the Microsoft Store, search for Microsoft Photos, and click Get to reinstall. Launch the Photos app to verify it works.
Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters designed to detect and resolve app-specific problems, including Photos. This tool automatically scans for common app-related problems, such as registry errors, permission issues, or incorrect app configurations, and applies a fix.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down and click Run next to Windows Store Apps.
Follow the on-screen instructions and allow the tool to finish. Once complete, check if the Photos app opens properly.
Create a New User Profile
If your user account is corrupted, certain apps may not function properly, even if they are installed correctly. Creating a new user profile helps rule out profile-specific settings or permissions that may be interfering with app behavior.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Other users, click Add account.
- Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Create a new username and password.
- Log in with the new user account.
Try opening the Photos app in the new account. If it works, your original user profile may be corrupted and needs to be fixed or recreation.
Use the Photos Legacy App
If the modern Photos app continues to fail, you can switch to the Photos Legacy app, which is similar to the classic Windows Photo Viewer.
- Open the Photos app (if possible) or search for Microsoft Photos in the Start menu.
- Go to Settings, scroll down and under Photos Legacy, click on Get Photos Legacy.
- This will open Microsoft Store with the Microsoft Photos legacy app, click Get to install it.
- Now set it as the default image viewer via Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Test opening images with the Legacy app
Sometimes, Corrupted system files can prevent built-in apps like Photos from working. Run SFC and DISM scans to restore missing or broken Windows system files from the original Windows image, repairing the core components the Photos app depends on.
- sfc /scannow
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Again, if the issue involves app installation or update errors, clearing the Microsoft Store cache may help. Press Windows + R, Type wsreset.exe and press Enter. Now open the Photos app.
Additional Tips to Prevent Photos App Issues
- Ensure the images you’re trying to open are in supported formats like JPEG or PNG. Convert unsupported formats using tools like Microsoft Paint.
- Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can affect the Photos app. Update them via Device Manager or your GPU manufacturer’s website
- Malware can disrupt app functionality. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- If the issue started recently, restore your system to a previous state via Settings > System > Recovery > Open System Restore.
If none of the above solutions work, consider using third-party image viewers like:
- IrfanView – Lightweight and fast, great for batch image processing.
- XnView – Powerful image manager and converter.
- ImageGlass – Sleek UI with modern design and format support.
- Paint.NET – Great for editing and basic photo enhancements.
These apps are lightweight, reliable, and support a wide range of file formats.
✅ FAQs on Microsoft Photos app not opening
Q: Can I uninstall Microsoft Photos and use something else?
Yes, you can use any third-party photo viewer as your default image viewer. Apps like IrfanView or ImageGlass are great alternatives.
Q: Does resetting Photos delete my pictures?
No, resetting the app only clears its internal data. Your personal pictures and albums are stored separately and remain untouched.
Q: What if Photos still won’t open after all these steps?
If all fixes fail, consider performing a System Restore or contacting Microsoft Support for deeper assistance.
