How to Fix High Memory Usage by Microsoft.Photos.exe in Windows 11

The Microsoft Photos app (Microsoft.Photos.exe) is the default image viewer in Windows 11. While it offers useful features like editing, gallery view, and cloud integration, some users notice high memory (RAM) usage, which can slow down the system—especially when opening large image libraries or multiple photos.

This issue is often caused by cache buildup, background indexing, sync processes, or app bugs. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce memory usage and improve performance.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to fix high memory usage by Microsoft.Photos.exe in Windows 11.

How to Fix High Memory Usage by Microsoft.Photos.exe in Windows 11

Follow the methods below to resolve the issue.

1. Close and Restart the Photos App

Temporary glitches can cause excessive memory usage.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Locate Microsoft.Photos.exe.
3. Right-click it.
4. Select End task.
5. Reopen the Photos app.

This refreshes the app and clears temporary memory usage.

2. Reset the Photos App

Resetting clears corrupted data and cache.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
3. Search for Microsoft Photos.
4. Click the three-dot menu.
5. Select Advanced options.
6. Click Reset.
7. Confirm the action.

This restores the app to default settings.

3. Repair the Photos App

If resetting feels too aggressive, try repairing first.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
3. Select Microsoft Photos.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Click Repair.

This fixes issues without deleting app data.

4. Disable OneDrive Sync in Photos

Cloud syncing can increase memory usage.

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Click Settings (gear icon).
3. Find OneDrive sync options.
4. Disable syncing if not needed.

This reduces background activity.

5. Turn Off Indexing for Large Folders

Photos scans folders to display images, which uses memory.

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under Sources, remove large folders you don’t need.
4. Keep only essential folders.

Reducing sources lowers memory usage.

6. Update the Photos App

Outdated versions may contain bugs.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Go to Library.
3. Click Get updates.
4. Update Microsoft Photos.
5. Restart your PC.

Updates often fix performance issues.

7. Reinstall the Photos App

If the issue persists, reinstalling can help.

1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run: get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage
3. Open the Microsoft Store.
4. Search for Microsoft Photos.
5. Install it again.

This removes corrupted components.

8. Use an Alternative Image Viewer (Optional)

If the problem continues, consider using a lighter app.

Popular alternatives include:

• IrfanView
• ImageGlass
• FastStone Image Viewer

These apps use less memory and load images faster.

9. Check for Windows Updates

System updates may fix app-related issues.

1. Press Windows + I.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install updates and restart your PC.

Conclusion

High memory usage by Microsoft.Photos.exe in Windows 11 is usually caused by caching, background syncing, or app bugs. While it can slow down your system, it is often easy to fix with a few adjustments.

By restarting or resetting the app, disabling OneDrive sync, reducing indexed folders, updating or reinstalling the app, and using alternatives if needed, you can significantly reduce memory usage and improve overall system performance.