Microsoft Photos is a stock app on Windows 10. It is present on Windows 10 when you install the OS and it is the go-to app for viewing photos if you have nothing else installed. If you choose to install a different photo viewer, you will have to change the default one on Windows 10 i.e., change it to something other than Microsoft Photos.
Stock apps on Windows 10 are present out of a box but many of them can be uninstalled. If you want, you can remove the ones you do not need but Microsoft Photos is one of the core apps on the OS so uninstalling it isn’t that easy (though still possible). If you can’t find the Microsoft Photos app, try the fixes below.
1. Reinstall Photos App on Windows 10
It’s possible that you’ve uninstalled the Microsoft Photos app, or an app that you installed did it for you. In that case, you will have to install the app again. You can do this from the Microsoft Store or via PowerShell.
To install Microsoft Photos from the Microsoft Store;
- Visit this link to the Microsoft Photos app in your browser.
- Click Get.
- Open the Microsoft Store app when prompted by the browser.
- Click Get and then Install.
- Microsoft Photos will be installed.
If you’re unable to install Microsoft Photos from the Microsoft Store app, you can install it via PowerShell.
- Open PowerShell with admin rights.
- Run this command:
$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’. - Microsoft Photos will be installed.
Note: Restart the system if the app doesn’t appear.
2. Reset Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store app may cause problems with other apps. The Microsoft Photos app may very be present on your system but the Microsoft Store may prevent it from opening. Try resetting the app.
- Tap the Win +R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
- In the run box, enter
wsreset.exeand tap the Enter key. - A Command Prompt window will open and close on its own.
- The store app will be reset. Try opening the Microsoft Photos app.
3. Run Windows Store app troubleshooter
The Microsoft Photos app is a Microsoft Store and Windows 10 has a troubleshooter that can help resolve problems with these types of apps.
- Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select the Troubleshoot tab.
- Click Additional troubleshooters.
- Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
- Apply all fixes that it recommends.
- Restart the system.
4. Try a different photo viewer
If you’re still unable to open and use the Microsoft Photos app, you can install a third-party photo viewer. There are plenty of great alternatives to the Microsoft Photos app. We recommend giving IrfanView a try.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Photos app is the best photo viewer that Microsoft has ever developed. In fact, many Windows 10 users often complain about it. That said, if you’re determined to use it and it doesn’t reappear with any of the fixes listed above, create a new user account and it will be present in it. You will have to switch to using the new account.
Fatima Wahab
Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014.
Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks
В данной статье мы рассмотрим, как вернуть стандартное «Средство просмотра фотографий Windows» в Windows 10.
С выходом Windows 8, в семействе Windows появились так называемые Metro-приложения. Одним из них стало приложение «Фотографии»:
Не смотря на широкую функциональность программы «Фотографии», в числе которых возможности редактирования фотографий с целью улучшения их качества, не всем «Фотографии» пришлись по вкусу. В основном пользователи жалуются на долгое открытие фото, вплоть до пары минут; для кого-то важна возможность открывать многостраничные TIF-файлы и иметь возможность перемещаться среди страниц внутри них (а на момент написания статьи, «Фотографии» этого делать не умеют); кому-то не нравится или непривычен внешний вид нового Metro-приложения; а кому-то просто напросто не нужна такая большая функциональность программы, а ведь весь этот функционал потребляет не малое количество ресурсов компьютера.
Если в Windows 8 и 8.1 можно было вернуть стандартное «Средство просмотра фотографий Windows» без «плясок с бубном» – через диалог «Открыть с помощью…», то в Windows 10 компания Microsoft решила насильно пересадить пользователей на своё Metro-приложение, убрав быстрые способы его открытия.
Однако, «Средство просмотра фотографий» пока что не было вырезано из Windows 10 (проверено на версии 20H2), и его ещё возможно использовать для просмотра фото. Однако, для этого нужно внести некоторые изменения в реестр Windows.
Чтобы не усложнять ни инструкцию, ни её выполнение манипуляциями с редактором реестра, предлагаем Вам сразу скачать готовый файл, который внесёт все изменения автоматически:
Windows_10_Photo_viewer.reg (2.09 Кб)
Запустите данный файл и разрешите ему внести изменения в реестр компьютера.
После того, как Вы выполнили предыдущий пункт, нажмите по любому изображению правой кнопкой мыши – «Открыть с помощью» – «Выбрать другое приложение». В открывшемся окне найдите и выберите «Просмотр фотографий Windows», установите галочку «Всегда использовать это приложение для открытия .*** файлов» и нажмите «ОК».
Готово. Теперь файлы определённого расширения будут открываться в приложении «Средство просмотра фотографий Windows».
Обратите внимание: так как форматов изображений много (jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff, png, gif и прочие), некоторые файлы могут по прежнему открываться в «Фотографиях». Для того, чтобы они тоже открывались в «Средстве просмотра фотографий», необходимо проделать манипуляции из предыдущего абзаца с каждом из типов файлов, которые вы хотите открывать в «Средстве просмотра фотографий».
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- Top 4 Solutions to Windows 10 Photos App Missing
By Tina |
Last Updated
You may come across the error of Windows 10 Photos app missing. This post from MiniTool shows how to fix it. In addition, you can visit MiniTool to find more Windows tips and solutions.
In general, the Photos app is a piece of Windows built-in software. However, some users reported that they come across the error of Windows 10 Photos app missing. If you come across the same error, do not be panic it is a common error. Besides, this post will show you some reliable solutions.
So, in the following content, we will show you how to fix the error of my Photos app disappeared.
How to Solve Windows 10 Photos App Missing?
- Run App Troubleshooter
- Clear the Windows Store Cache
- Download and Install Windows Photos App
- Use PowerShell
Top 4 Solutions to Windows 10 Photos App Missing
In this part, we will show you how to solve the problem of Windows Photo app missing.
Way 1. Run App Troubleshooter
In order to fix the error of Windows 10 Photos app missing, you can try running App troubleshooter.
Now, here is the tutorial.
- Press Windows key and I key together to open Settings.
- Then choose Update & Security.
- Next, go to the Troubleshoot tab.
- On the right pane, scroll down to find Windows Store Apps.
- Click it and choose Run the troubleshooter.
- Then follow the on-screen wizard to continue.
Once all steps are finished, reboot your computer and check whether the error of Windows 10 Photos app missing is fixed.
Way 2. Clear the Windows Store Cache
To fix the error of Windows Photo app missing, you can also try clearing Windows store cache.
Now, here is the tutorial.
- Press Windows key and R key together to open Run dialog.
- Type wsreset.exe in the box and click OK to continue.
- Then restart your computer.
After that, check whether the error of Windows 10 Photos app missing is solved.
Way 3. Download and Install Windows Photos App
In order to fix the issue of my Photos app disappeared, you can try to download and install it manually.
Now, here is the tutorial.
- Click here to go to the official Microsoft Photos website.
- Then download it and install it on your computer.
Once all steps are finished, the Windows Photos app will be available on your computer.
Way 4. Use PowerShell
To fix Windows 10 Photos app missing error, you can try running PowerShell and inputting the command to find it back.
Now, here is the tutorial.
1. Type PowerShell in the search box of Windows 10 and choose the best-matched one.
2. Then right-click it to choose Run as administrator.
3. In the PowerShell window, type the following commands:
PowerShell –ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage –DisableDevelopmentMode –Register $manifest
4. Then restart your computer.
5. Launch the Microsoft Store again.
6. Then search Microsoft Photos, download it and install it on your computer.
After that, the Windows Photos app will be available on your computer.
To sum up, in order to fix the error of Windows 10 Photos app missing, this post has shown 4 reliable solutions. If you come across the same trouble, try these solutions. If you have any better ideas to fix the issue of my Photos app disappeared, you can share it in the comment zone.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Tina is a technology enthusiast and joined MiniTool in 2018. As an editor of MiniTool, she is keeping on sharing computer tips and providing reliable solutions, especially specializing in Windows and files backup and restore. Besides, she is expanding her knowledge and skills in data recovery, disk space optimizations, etc. On her spare time, Tina likes to watch movies, go shopping or chat with friends and enjoy her life.
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Photo Tips > 4 Proven Methods to Fix Microsoft Photos App Missing in Windows 10
Hi. l have my laptop working on Windows 10. However, after l made all update setting yesterday, the Microsoft Photos app is missing. I can’t find it anywhere nor open my pictures with it. Please help. I have been organizing all my images with the app and don’t want to mess everything up.
It should be noted that the Photos app we mentioned is exactly the built-in Microsoft photo viewer app named “Photos”, not Windows Photo Viewer which has been widely used in Windows 7 but hidden in Windows 10. In case you actually want to get back the old app, please learn how to restore Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10. This can also work as an alternative solution for users who don’t like the new Microsoft Photos app due to any reasons.
Method 1. Specify the Default Windows 10 Photo Viewer
If you find the Photos app missing after installing a third-party photo viewer or manager, or installing Windows 10 updates, it is possible that the default photo viewing app has been modified. The issue could also occur when you sign in Windows 10 with another Microsoft account which has a different configuration for default apps. To recover the missing Photos app, you need to reset the default options in Settings.
- Step 1. Go to Settings > Apps.
- Step 2. Open Default apps tab, locate Photo viewer and click the option under it.
- Step 3. From the pop-up list, choose Photos. The change will be applied automatically.
- Step 4. Try to open an image again and it should appear in Photos.
On the Default apps screen, you can also specify the default Email, map or music player as your favorite options.
Method 2. Reset Photos App in Windows 10
If Photos is already the default photo viewer but it still doesn’t appear as an option to open your pictures, you may need to reset the app. The app will be reinstalled and revert to its default settings.
The steps above will clear the settings of the Photos app. According to the description on the screen, your photos will not be affected.
Tips: In case you find important photos missing, don’t hesitate to use RePicvid Free Photo Recovery to get them back. You can also recover photos 100% free from SD card, hard drive, USB drive and other storage devices.
Method 3. Register Microsoft Photos in Windows 10
This method has been proven to be working for the case that the Photos app is missing on one Microsoft account but not on the other, which means that the app is not registered for all users. The following steps will re-register Microsoft Photos for all users.
- Step 1. In Windows 10, right-click on the Start menu, then choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). Click Yes when User Account Control appears.
- Step 2. In Windows PowerShell, paste the following command and hit Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} - Step 3. Wait the command to complete, then close Windows PowerShell and see if the problem is fixed.
By following this method, you can install Microsoft Photos app without Store.
Method 4. Run Troubleshoot for Windows Store Apps
Troubleshoot has been widely-known as a useful utility since the previous Windows 7 or earlier OS. It plays an important role in fixing errors in Microsoft built-in functions and apps. In Windows 10, we can use this tool to fix Windows Store Apps, including Microsoft Photos.
- Step 1. Click the Start menu, type Troubleshoot and select the matched option from the result.
- Step 2. In Troubleshoot, scroll down to the bottom and click Windows Store Apps.
- Step 3. Click on it and choose Run the troubleshooter.
- Step 4. Finish the troubleshooting before restarting your PC.
Now, check if you can open pictures with Microsoft Photos app.
Final Thought
We hope Microsoft Photos app has come back in your Windows 10. If you find the app not good enough for your needs, you can have a try with the alternative photo viewers for Windows 10. Please share this guide to your friends if you find it helpful. You can also share your experience or questions in the comment section below.
The Window 10 Photos app is a frequently used tool when it comes to viewing and editing images. This application is installed by default in every Windows 10 system. The Photos app boasts an intuitive user interface and allows you to organize your images and create albums. However, if the Windows 10 Photos app is missing, people can find it difficult to view their PC images.
Not only images, but the Photos app also offers the feature of editing videos at a basic level. There are several reasons why this application might crash or go missing. While many alternatives can replace the Microsoft Photos app, you can try specific solutions to fix this issue.
Windows 10 Photos App Is Missing: Resolve The Issue In No Time!
You can follow these solutions in the given chronological order to resolve the Microsoft Photos issue. Make sure you restart the computer before going on with any of these fixes since the reboot process solves many basic issues in Windows 10. Now, let’s have a look at these solutions.
1. Run the App Troubleshooter
If the Windows 10 Photos app is missing for unknown reasons, users can run the Apps Troubleshooter to identify the issues affecting the Photos app. The troubleshooter will also help resolve the Microsoft Photos app issue automatically.
To begin with, type Troubleshooting in the Cortana search bar in Windows 10. Select Open in the right pane to open the Troubleshoot window.
Now, scroll down and locate the Windows Store Apps. Click on it and select Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the prompts and finish the process. Restart your computer and see if the Microsoft Windows Photos app works properly.
2. Clear the Windows Store Cache
You can try to reset the Windows Store app cache if the Windows 10 Photos app is not working.
Type cmd in the Start menu search box and click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
Then, enter the following command and press the Enter key.
wsreset.exe
This solution might not work for every person, but it’s worth a try. Check if the Photos app works well after this step.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Photos
Uninstalling and reinstalling the Photos app is a good alternative if you cannot find it on your device. You need to open the Powershell to uninstall the program.
Go to the Cortana search bar and enter Powershell. Click on Run as administrator in the right pane.
Now, enter the given command and press the Enter key to execute it.
get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage
After the uninstallation process is complete, you can download and reinstall the Photos app in Windows 10 from the official Microsoft Store.
4. Use Powershell To Fix Windows 10 Photos App Is Missing
You can use the Powershell commands for Windows users to execute commands and resolve the issues that obstruct several apps from running smoothly. If you encounter any issues with the Microsoft Windows Photos application, Powershell can help you resolve them.
Type Powershell in the Start menu search bar and click on Run as administrator in the right pane.
Now, type the given commands in the Powershell window and press the Enter key.
PowerShell –ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage –DisableDevelopmentMode –Register $manifest
You can also re-register the Photos app using the Powershell by executing the command given below.
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
Now, restart your PC and launch the Microsoft Store app. Search for the Photos app, install it, and see if it works Windows 10 photos app is missing or not.
5. Reset Photos App in Windows 10
If the Windows 10 Photos app is missing or not opening, you can reset the app to rectify it.
To begin with, press the Win key + I to open the Settings application. Then, select Apps from the available list of options.
Now, select Apps & features in the left pane and choose Microsoft Photos in the right pane.
Then, select Advanced options.
In the next window, click on the Reset button to start the process.
Doing these steps will retrieve the default settings of the Photos app, but your files won’t be affected.
6. Update the Photos App
If the Microsoft Photos app is outdated, you may experience issues with starting the app. Hence, if the Microsoft Windows Photos app doesn’t open, make sure you update it from the Microsoft Store app.
Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu search bar and click on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner. Select Downloads and updates from the drop-down menu.
Next, select Downloads in the left pane and locate Photos in the apps list. Click on it and select Get updates to update the Photos app.
All the available Microsoft Store apps, including the Photos app, will be updated on your PC. See if the app then starts working properly.
7. Perform the System Restore
The System Restore is used to restore old settings of a computer at a previous point in time. You can do a system restore, especially when you change multiple settings and don’t understand which changes are causing issues in the PC. If your Windows 10 Photos app is missing, you can perform system restore in Windows 10 to identify the root cause of the problem and take necessary action regarding the same.
8. Use An Alternative Photo App
If the Windows Photos app doesn’t work after executing any of the solutions mentioned above, the best workaround is to use a different photo viewer program. You can use the default Windows Photo Viewer to view photos.
The Adobe Lightroom is also a good alternative for Microsoft Photos. This app has a simple user interface and also offers various editing options to the users. You can also check out some Lightroom alternatives if you are specifically searching for photo editing software.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Photos application is one of the most commonly used apps in a Windows 10 operating system. You can use Photos to view your images and edit them at your convenience. However, if the Windows 10 Photos app is missing or isn’t working correctly, users may face issues in viewing their photos.
The solutions mentioned above can help you fix the Windows 10 Photos app problem. The best way to approach this problem is to follow all the solutions in the mentioned chronology. There are various options to replace Microsoft Photos. However, the choice to replace the apps depends upon the user’s needs and requirements.