Alex Ruben
Easy Ways to Fix Photos App Crashing on Windows 11/10
If you’re experiencing issues with the Photos app crashing, freezing, or failing to open on Windows 11 or 10, this step-by-step guide is here to help. You’ll learn several effective solutions to get the Microsoft Photos app functioning smoothly again. Follow these structured steps to resolve your issues quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer
A simple restart of Windows Explorer can refresh the system and often resolves minor issues. To do this:
- Right-click on the
Starticon. - Select
Task Manager. - Find
Windows Explorerin the list, right-click it, and chooseRestart.
This action will refresh the graphical interface without restarting your computer.
Step 2: Update Microsoft Photos
Ensuring the Photos app is up to date can fix many bugs. Here’s how to update it:
- Open the
Microsoft Store. - Search for
Microsoft Photos. - If an update is available, click
Update.
Updating can resolve compatibility issues that might cause crashes.
Step 3: Repair & Reset Microsoft Photos
If updating doesn’t fix the problem, repairing or resetting the app may help:
- Right-click on the
Starticon and selectSettings. - Navigate to
Apps>Installed apps. - Search for and select
Photos. - Click on the three dots next to it and select
Advanced options. - Scroll to the options for
RepairandResetand click them one by one.
This process will attempt to fix any corruption within the app settings.
Step 4: Reinstall Microsoft Photos Using PowerShell
If the app still isn’t working, a reinstallation might be necessary:
- Press Windows + X and select
Windows Terminal (Admin). - In the terminal, type:
get-appxpackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | remove-appxpackageand press Enter. - To reinstall, type:
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9NBLGGH4W7T0and press Enter.
This will remove the app and then redirect you to the Microsoft Store to reinstall it.
Step 5: Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes, an outdated system can lead to app issues. Ensure your Windows is up to date:
- Go to
Settings>Update & Security. - Click on
Windows Updateand thenCheck for updates. - Install any available updates.
Restarting your computer after the updates can help apply changes effectively.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While following these steps, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make sure your system has enough memory and resources available.
- Check for any third-party app conflicts, especially those related to image opening.
- If the Photos app continues to crash, consider running a system file check using:
sfc /scannowin theCommand Prompt(Run as Administrator).
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you resolve the crashing issue with the Photos app on Windows 11/10. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix any problems effectively. If you found this guide helpful, consider checking out our other tutorials for more Windows tips and fixes.
