Windows Photo Viewer, a staple of Windows operating systems since Windows XP, was unceremoniously replaced by the Windows Photos app in Windows 10. While the new app offers some exciting features, many users still prefer the simplicity and familiarity of Windows Photo Viewer. If you’re one of them, you’re in luck! Reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process to get your beloved photo viewer back.
The Reason Behind the Change
Before we dive into the reinstall process, let’s quickly explore why Microsoft made the switch from Windows Photo Viewer to Windows Photos. The primary reason was to provide a more modern and touch-friendly experience, catering to the growing number of Windows 10 users on tablets and touchscreen devices. Windows Photos was designed to be more intuitive, with features like automatic photo editing, improved performance, and better integration with OneDrive.
However, for many users, the change was jarring. Windows Photo Viewer had become an integral part of their workflow, and the new app’s interface and features didn’t quite meet their expectations. If you’re one of them, we’ll show you how to get Windows Photo Viewer back up and running.
Pre-Requisites: Checking Your Windows Version
Before you begin the reinstall process, make sure you’re running Windows 10. Windows Photo Viewer is not compatible with earlier versions of Windows, and reinstalling it on older systems might cause conflicts or errors.
To check your Windows version:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type winver and press Enter.
This will open the About Windows window, displaying your operating system version. If you’re running Windows 10, you’re good to proceed.
Reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer
Now, let’s get started with the reinstall process.
Method 1: Enabling Windows Photo Viewer from the Windows Features List
This method is the easiest and most straightforward way to reinstall Windows Photo Viewer.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type optionalfeatures and press Enter.
This will open the Windows Features window. Scroll down and check the box next to Windows Photo Viewer.
Click OK to save the changes. Windows will now reinstall Windows Photo Viewer.
Method 2: Registering the Windows Photo Viewer DLL File
If the first method doesn’t work for you, we can try registering the Windows Photo Viewer DLL file manually.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regsvr32 %windir%\System32\PhotoViewer.dll and press Enter.
This command registers the Windows Photo Viewer DLL file, making it available for use again.
Configuring Windows Photo Viewer as the Default Image Viewer
Now that you’ve reinstalled Windows Photo Viewer, you’ll need to set it as the default image viewer. This will ensure that the app opens when you double-click an image file.
Setting the Default Program Association
To set Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer:
- Open the Settings app (you can do this by pressing the Windows key + I).
- Click on Apps.
- Click on Default apps.
- Click on Photo viewer.
- Click on Windows Photo Viewer.
Alternatively, you can also set the default program association through the Control Panel:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type control and press Enter.
- Click on Programs.
- Click on Default Programs.
- Click on Associate a file type or protocol with a program.
- Scroll down and find .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types.
- Click on each file type and select Windows Photo Viewer as the default program.
Associating File Types with Windows Photo Viewer
To associate specific file types with Windows Photo Viewer:
- Right-click on an image file (e.g., a .jpg or .png file).
- Click on Open with.
- Click on Choose another app.
- Scroll down and click on More apps.
- Click on Look for another app on this PC.
- Navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Photo Viewer.
- Click on photoviewer.exe.
- Check the box next to Always use this app to open .jpg files.
- Click OK.
Repeat this process for other file types you want to associate with Windows Photo Viewer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the reinstall process, here are some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve them:
Windows Photo Viewer Not Showing Up in the Start Menu
If Windows Photo Viewer doesn’t appear in the Start menu after reinstalling, try the following:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %windir%\System32\rundll32.exe %windir%\System32\PhotoViewer.dll,ImageView_Fullscreen and press Enter.
This command launches Windows Photo Viewer in fullscreen mode, which might help it appear in the Start menu.
Windows Photo Viewer Crashing or Not Working Properly
If Windows Photo Viewer crashes or doesn’t work as expected, try the following:
- Run the System File Checker tool (SFC) to scan and repair corrupted system files:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Run the DISM tool to repair corrupted system files:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter.
Conclusion
Reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer is a relatively straightforward process, and with these steps, you should be able to get your beloved photo viewer back up and running. Whether you’re a power user or just someone who prefers the familiarity of Windows Photo Viewer, this guide has got you covered.
Remember to configure Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer and associate file types with the app to ensure a seamless experience. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting steps should help resolve them.
So, what are you waiting for? Reinstall Windows Photo Viewer today and start enjoying the simplicity and familiarity of this classic app!
Why was Windows Photo Viewer replaced by Windows Photos?
Windows Photo Viewer was replaced by Windows Photos in newer versions of Windows because Microsoft wanted to provide a more modern and advanced photo management experience. Windows Photos is more integrated with other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, and offers more features like video editing and sharing. However, many users still prefer the simplicity and familiarity of Windows Photo Viewer.
Windows Photos has also received several criticisms for its slow performance, cluttered interface, and lack of features compared to its predecessor. As a result, many users are looking for ways to reinstall Windows Photo Viewer, which is still a capable and efficient photo viewer despite being an older application.
Is reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer safe?
Reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer is generally safe as long as you follow the correct steps and download the necessary files from trusted sources. The process involves registering the necessary DLL files and updating the Windows registry, which can be risky if not done correctly. However, if you follow the steps carefully and avoid modifying any system files, the process should be safe and won’t harm your system.
It’s also important to note that reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer won’t affect any other Windows features or applications. It will simply restore the classic photo viewer as an available option for viewing images, alongside Windows Photos and other installed photo viewing applications.
Will reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer affect my Windows Photos app?
Reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer won’t affect the Windows Photos app or any of its features. Both applications can coexist on your system, and you can choose which one to use as your default photo viewer. In fact, having both options can be beneficial, as you can use Windows Photos for more advanced editing and sharing features, and Windows Photo Viewer for quickly viewing and browsing your image files.
Windows Photos will remain the default photo viewer unless you specifically set Windows Photo Viewer as the default. You can do this by right-clicking on an image file, selecting “Open with,” and then choosing Windows Photo Viewer. From then on, Windows Photo Viewer will open by default for that specific file type.
Can I set Windows Photo Viewer as the default photo viewer?
Yes, you can set Windows Photo Viewer as the default photo viewer after reinstalling it. To do this, right-click on an image file, select “Open with,” and then click “Choose another app.” Select Windows Photo Viewer from the list of available applications, and make sure the “Always use this app to open” checkbox is selected. This will set Windows Photo Viewer as the default viewer for that specific file type.
You can also set Windows Photo Viewer as the default viewer for all supported file types by going to the “Settings” app, clicking on “Apps,” and then clicking on “Default apps.” Select “Photo viewer” from the left menu, and then click on Windows Photo Viewer from the dropdown list. This will set Windows Photo Viewer as the default photo viewer for all supported file types.
Will reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer work on my Windows 10 version?
The method for reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer should work on most versions of Windows 10, including the Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. However, it’s essential to ensure that you have the necessary system files and registry entries available on your system. If you’ve upgraded from an older version of Windows, you may already have the necessary files.
If you’re using a newer version of Windows 10, such as the May 2020 Update or later, you may need to use additional steps or modifications to reinstall Windows Photo Viewer successfully. In such cases, it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions and guidelines provided for your version of Windows.
Can I reinstall Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 11?
Unfortunately, reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 11 is not as straightforward as on Windows 10. Windows 11 has undergone significant changes to its system files and registry, which makes it more challenging to reinstall older applications like Windows Photo Viewer.
While it may be possible to reinstall Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 11 using advanced techniques and modifications, it’s not a recommended or supported process. Instead, you may need to explore alternative photo viewing applications that are compatible with Windows 11.
Are there any alternative photo viewers that I can use?
Yes, there are many alternative photo viewing applications available that you can use if reinstalling Windows Photo Viewer is not possible or desired. Some popular options include IrfanView, XnView, and FastStone Image Viewer. These applications offer similar or even more advanced features than Windows Photo Viewer, and some may even offer additional functionalities like image editing and management.
When choosing an alternative photo viewer, consider the features that are essential to you, such as speed, interface, and compatibility with specific file formats. You may need to try out a few options before finding the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, some alternative photo viewers may offer a more modern and updated interface, which can be a refreshing change from the classic Windows Photo Viewer.