Windows Photo Viewer Won’t Open Pictures? Here’s How to Fix It
Memories are precious, and we often rely on digital photos to capture them. But what happens when you try to open a picture and are met with the dreaded “Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture” error message? Don’t fret! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tackle this issue head-on, providing you with a step-by-step solution to restore your picture-viewing experience.
Before delving into the technicalities, let’s start with a common culprit: corrupted files. Sometimes, due to malware, power outages, or hardware failures, your picture files may become damaged. In such cases, attempting to open them can lead to the error message you’re experiencing. If you suspect file corruption, try opening the picture in a different photo viewer like Paint or an online image editor. If it still fails to open, it’s likely due to corruption.
Picture File Association
Windows Photo Viewer is the default program for viewing pictures, but manchmal it can lose its association with certain file types. To fix this, right-click on an image file, select “Open with,” and choose “Windows Photo Viewer” as the preferred program. This will reassociate the file type with the viewer and allow you to open pictures without errors.
Repairing or Resetting the App
If reassociating the file type doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try repairing or resetting the Windows Photo Viewer app. To repair the app, navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find Windows Photo Viewer in the list, click on it, and select “Modify.” Choose “Repair” and follow the on-screen instructions. If that doesn’t work, you can reset the app by clicking on “Reset” instead of “Repair.”
Updating Drivers and Codecs
Outdated drivers or codecs can also interfere with Windows Photo Viewer’s ability to open pictures. To update your graphics drivers, visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest drivers for your model. To update codecs, install a codec pack like the K-Lite Codec Pack, which provides support for a wide range of audio and video formats.
Other Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some additional troubleshooting tips that may help resolve the “Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture” error:
- Restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches.
- Run a virus scan. Malware can damage picture files or interfere with app functionality.
- Try a different photo viewer. If Windows Photo Viewer consistently fails, use alternative software like IrfanView or GIMP.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture” error and regain the ability to view your precious memories. If you encounter any further issues or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support. Are you interested in learning more about Windows Photo Viewer or troubleshooting computer problems? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
