The Photos app in Windows 11 is the default image viewer used to open JPG, PNG, HEIC, and other image formats. It also provides basic editing tools, slideshow options, and video trimming features. When the Photos app stops working, crashes on launch, refuses to open images, or shows a blank screen, it can disrupt everyday tasks.
Most Photos app issues in Windows 11 are caused by corrupted app data, broken Microsoft Store components, outdated Windows builds, damaged system files, or incorrect default app settings. Fortunately, these problems can usually be fixed using built-in repair tools.
If the Photos app is not working in Windows 11, follow the detailed troubleshooting steps below.
How to Fix Photos App Not Working in Windows 11
Work through the solutions in order. After completing each step, try opening an image again.
1. Restart Your PC
Temporary glitches can prevent system apps from launching properly.
- Close the Photos app completely.
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Shut down or sign out > Restart.
- After rebooting, open an image to test the app.
This simple step often resolves temporary issues.
2. Repair the Photos App
If the app files are corrupted, repairing may fix the issue.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Photos (Microsoft Photos).
- Click the three-dot menu and select Advanced options.
- Click Repair.
- Restart your PC and test again.
Repair keeps app data intact while fixing corrupted files.
3. Reset the Photos App
If repairing does not work:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Photos.
- Click Advanced options.
- Select Reset.
- Restart your PC.
Reset restores the app to default settings and removes corrupted data.
4. Update the Photos App
An outdated version may cause crashes.
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Click Library.
- Select Get updates.
- Update Microsoft Photos if available.
- Restart your PC.
Updating ensures compatibility with Windows 11.
5. Reinstall the Photos App
If the app is severely corrupted, reinstall it.
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Enter:
get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage - Press Enter.
- Restart your PC.
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for Microsoft Photos.
- Install the latest version.
A fresh installation removes deep configuration issues.
6. Set Photos as Default App
If images open in another app or fail to open:
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Apps > Default apps.
- Scroll and select Photos.
- Assign it as default for image file types like:
- .jpg
- .jpeg
- .png
- .heic
After setting defaults, try opening an image again.
7. Clear Microsoft Store Cache
Since Photos is a Microsoft Store app, cache corruption may cause problems.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
wsreset.exe - Press Enter.
- Wait for the reset process to complete.
- Restart your PC.
This clears corrupted Store cache files.
8. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files may interfere with app functionality.
- Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click and select Run as administrator.
- Enter:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter.
- Restart your PC after completion.
Windows will automatically repair corrupted files.
9. Run DISM Scan
If SFC does not fix the issue:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart your PC after the scan completes.
This repairs deeper Windows image corruption.
10. Check for Windows Updates
Outdated builds may cause compatibility issues.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart your PC.
System updates often resolve app-related bugs.
Conclusion
If the Photos app is not working in Windows 11, the issue is typically caused by corrupted app files, Microsoft Store cache problems, outdated builds, or system file corruption. In most cases, repairing or resetting the app resolves the problem quickly.
By following the structured troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to restore full functionality to the Photos app and open images normally. If the issue persists even after reinstalling, deeper system repair or user profile troubleshooting may be required.
