Alex Ruben
Quick Solutions to Fix Photos App Crashing in Windows 11/10
If you’re experiencing crashes or freezing when using the Photos app on Windows 11 or 10, you’re not alone. This guide covers a range of quick and effective methods to resolve these issues. By following the steps below, you’ll learn how to restart Windows Explorer, update and reset the Photos app, and even reinstall it using PowerShell. Save time and get back to viewing your images smoothly!
Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer
Restarting Windows Explorer can offer a quick refresh to your system. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Look for Windows Explorer in the list of processes.
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
Step 2: Update Microsoft Photos
Ensure that your Photos app is up to date through the Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click on the Library icon in the lower left corner.
- Click on Get updates to check for the latest version of the Photos app.
Step 3: Reset & Repair Photos App
If updating doesn’t help, you can try resetting or repairing the app:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Scroll down to find the Photos app, select it, and click on Advanced options.
- Click Repair. If that doesn’t work, return to this screen and select Reset.
Step 4: Reinstall Photos App Using PowerShell
If the previous steps didn’t fix the issue, try reinstalling the Photos app:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage - Next, reinstall the Photos app with this command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Step 5: Check for Windows Updates
Lastly, make sure your operating system is up to date to fix any compatibility issues:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you’re still encountering issues, consider the following:
- Driver Updates: Occasionally, outdated graphics drivers can cause problems. Check that your graphics drivers are updated.
- Disk Space: Make sure your disk isn’t full, as lack of space can lead to performance issues.
- Third-Party Software: Sometimes, third-party software may conflict with the Photos app. Check your installed applications for potential clashes.
Conclusion
By following these straightforward steps, you should be able to resolve any crashing or freezing issues with the Photos app in Windows 11 or 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the Photos app won’t open at all?
If the Photos app does not open, try resetting it via the Settings menu as mentioned in Step 3.
Can I recover images if the app crashes while editing?
Check the original image files in the Photos app or explore temporary files that may have been saved in your system’s temp directory.
Is there a chance that reinstalling will delete my images?
No, reinstalling the Photos app should not affect your images; they are stored in their original locations on your device.