How to Restore Photo Viewer Windows 10: Easy Guide

This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to restore Windows Photo Viewer, troubleshoot common errors, and safeguard your system with backup tools.

By @Rosie Last Updated December 16, 2024

Windows 10 is a robust operating system with a variety of built-in tools to make your computing experience seamless. One such tool is the Windows Photo Viewer, which allows users to easily view and manage images. However, many users find that the Photo Viewer may disappear or stop working after a system update or other changes.

If you've encountered issues with Windows Photo Viewer or noticed it's no longer the default app for viewing images, don’t worry. This article will show you how to restore the Photo Viewer in Windows 10 using several simple methods. Whether it’s a case of missing settings, a registry error, or system corruption, we've got you covered.

Methods to Restore Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10

Method 1: Use Settings to Restore Default Photo Viewer

One of the easiest ways to restore Windows Photo Viewer is through the Default Apps settings:

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Step 2: Navigate to Apps > Default apps.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Photo Viewer.

Step 4: Select Windows Photo Viewer from the list of available apps.

This method will quickly set Windows Photo Viewer as the default app for viewing images like .jpg, .png, and .bmp files.

Method 2: Re-enable Windows Photo Viewer Using the Registry Editor

Sometimes, the Photo Viewer might be disabled through the Windows registry. Here’s how to re-enable it:

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociations

Step 3: In the right pane, right-click and select New > String Value. Name the new value to match the file extension you want to open with Photo Viewer (e.g., .jpg or .png).

Step 4: Set the value data to PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff (replace .jpg or .png with the relevant file extension).

Step 5: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Method 3: Restore Photo Viewer Using Command Prompt

Corrupted system files may prevent Photo Viewer from functioning correctly. You can use the DISM and SFC tools to repair your system:

Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Type the following command and hit Enter:

  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3: After that process finishes, run the SFC scan by typing: sfc /scannow

Step 4: Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions to fix detected issues.

Method 4: Reinstall Windows Photo Viewer from Windows Features (for Older Versions)

If you're using an older version of Windows 10, you may need to reinstall Windows Photo Viewer from the legacy system files. You can enable the feature by installing it through the Windows Features settings. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and go to Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.

Step 1: Scroll down and check Windows Photo Viewer.

Step 1: Click OK and restart your PC.

Step 5: Restart your PC to see if the Photo Viewer is restored.

Fully Safeguard Your System and Restore Photo Viewer

When troubleshooting or restoring system features like Photo Viewer, it's always a good idea to back up your system before making any significant changes. This ensures that if something goes wrong, you can easily restore your system to its previous state.

AOMEI Backupper Standard is an intuitive and powerful backup tool that allows you to safeguard your system, partitions, and files. By creating regular backups or system restore points, you can avoid data loss and recover your system quickly if needed.

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  • Backup Before Changes: Create a full system, specific disk, and file backups before making changes to your system settings.

  • Backup all Photos: Use AOMEI Backupper to back up all of your photos regularly to the local or external drive, NAS, network, and cloud in just a few clicks.

  • Easy Data Recovery: If anything goes wrong, you can quickly restore files or the entire system with just a few clicks.

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Steps to Use AOMEI Backupper for Backup

Step 1. Open the program and select Backup > System Backup to create a full PC backup. (You can choose Disk Backup or File Backup according to your needs)

Step 2. The software will automatically detect and display the system partitions as the source. Next, click the destination box to choose the folder or drive where you want to save the backup.

Step 3. Click Start Backup to begin the system backup process.

In addition to basic backup options, system backup offers several advanced features for enhanced functionality and convenience: 

Options: 

  • Compression Level: Adjust compression to save storage space while maintaining backup integrity.
  • Encryption: Protect your backup with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Splitting Image: Split large backups into smaller parts for easier storage and better compatibility with various devices.
  • Email Notification: Receive email alerts to stay updated on the status and completion of backup tasks.

Scheduled Backup: Automate backups at set intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly). The paid version also supports event-based triggers or backups on a USB connection.

Backup Scheme: Choose between incremental (backing up only changes) or differential (backing up changes since the last full backup) methods. The paid version also automatically deletes older backups to free up storage space.

Bonus: Troubleshooting & Alternatives to Photo Viewer in Windows 10

Troubleshooting Photo Viewer Issues

If your Photo Viewer still isn't working after restoration, here are some common troubleshooting tips:

Photo Viewer Not Opening

  • Try repairing or resetting the Photos app or Photo Viewer through the Apps & Features settings. Additionally, check if the file association is correctly set.

Fixing the Slow Performance of Photo Viewer

  • If the Photo Viewer is opening slowly or lagging, try clearing its cache, updating your graphics drivers, or disabling unnecessary startup programs to improve system performance.

File Format Compatibility

  • Make sure the file formats you’re trying to view are supported by Windows Photo Viewer. If not, try using third-party programs like IrfanView to handle unsupported formats.

Alternatives to Photo Viewer in Windows 10

If you're still having trouble with how to restore photo viewer in Windows 10, or if you simply prefer something different, there are several excellent alternatives:

Microsoft Photos App

  • The default Microsoft Photos app in Windows 10 offers similar functionality and supports advanced features like image editing and cloud synchronization. You can set it as your default photo viewer in the Default Apps settings.

Third-party Photo Viewers

  • Third-party options such as IrfanView, XnView, or FastStone Image Viewer are excellent alternatives if you want more customization or additional features. These programs support a wide variety of image formats and offer advanced features like batch processing.

Summary

Restoring Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10 can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re fixing corrupted system files, changing app settings, or re-enabling the registry, the solutions provided here should help you restore this useful tool to your PC.

In addition, using tools like AOMEI Backupper ensures that your data and system are protected before making any changes. With these methods, you’ll have your system running smoothly and your images back in view in no time.