Microsoft Photos is an essential app for Windows users, allowing them to view, edit, and organize their photos and videos in a single platform. However, sometimes issues may arise, and reinstalling the app might be the best solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to reinstall Microsoft Photos app and get it up and running smoothly on your Windows device.
Why Reinstall Microsoft Photos App?
Before we dive into the reinstall process, let’s discuss why you might need to reinstall the Microsoft Photos app in the first place. Here are some common scenarios:
- App Crashes or Freezes: If the Photos app keeps crashing or freezing, reinstalling it might resolve the issue.
- Corrupted App Data: Corrupted app data can cause issues with the Photos app’s performance. Reinstalling the app can help start fresh with a clean slate.
- Missing Features or Functions: If some features or functions are missing from the Photos app, reinstalling it might restore them.
- Windows Update Issues: Sometimes, Windows updates can cause issues with the Photos app. Reinstalling it after the update might resolve the problem.
Method 1: Reinstall Microsoft Photos App via Windows Store
The easiest way to reinstall Microsoft Photos app is through the Windows Store. Here’s how:
Step 1: Uninstall Microsoft Photos App
- Click on the Start button and type “Windows Store” in the search bar.
- Open the Windows Store app.
- Click on the three horizontal dots on the top-right corner of the Microsoft Photos app tile.
- Click Uninstall to remove the app.
- Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.
Step 2: Reinstall Microsoft Photos App
- Open the Windows Store app again.
- Click on the Search icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Type “Microsoft Photos” in the search bar and press Enter.
- Click on the Microsoft Photos app from the search results.
- Click the Install button to begin the installation process.
- Wait for the app to download and install.
Method 2: Reinstall Microsoft Photos App via PowerShell
If the Windows Store method doesn’t work, you can try reinstalling the Microsoft Photos app using PowerShell. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard.
- Click on Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
Step 2: Uninstall Microsoft Photos App
- Type the following command in PowerShell and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*Microsoft.MicrosoftPhotos*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)}
This command will uninstall the Microsoft Photos app.
Step 3: Reinstall Microsoft Photos App
- Type the following command in PowerShell and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*Microsoft.MicrosoftPhotos*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)}
This command will reinstall the Microsoft Photos app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the reinstall process, you might encounter some issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome them:
Error: “The app didn’t install” or “The app is already installed”
If you encounter this error, try closing and reopening the Windows Store or PowerShell. If the issue persists, try restarting your system and then attempt to reinstall the app.
Error: “The package could not be installed” or “The package is not applicable”
If you encounter this error, try running the Windows Store or PowerShell as administrator. Right-click on the Windows Store or PowerShell icon and select Run as administrator.
Conclusion
Reinstalling the Microsoft Photos app can be a straightforward process, but it may require some troubleshooting if you encounter issues. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully reinstall the app and get it working smoothly on your Windows device. Remember to try the Windows Store method first, and if that doesn’t work, use the PowerShell method as a last resort.
What is the Microsoft Photos App?
The Microsoft Photos App is a pre-installed application on Windows 10 devices that allows users to view, edit, and organize their photos and videos. It provides a range of features, including image editing tools, album creation, and automatic video creation. The app is designed to be a one-stop-shop for managing and enjoying your digital memories.
The Microsoft Photos App is also integrated with the Windows operating system, allowing users to easily access and share their photos and videos across different devices and platforms. Despite its usefulness, some users may encounter issues with the app, such as it not opening or crashing frequently, which can be resolved by reinstalling the app.
Why Would I Need to Reinstall the Microsoft Photos App?
There are several reasons why you may need to reinstall the Microsoft Photos App. One common reason is that the app is not opening or is crashing frequently, making it impossible to access your photos and videos. Another reason could be that the app’s features are not working as expected, such as the image editing tools or album creation functionality.
Reinstalling the app can also help resolve issues related to corruption or damage to the app’s installation files. Additionally, reinstalling the app can be a quick and easy way to start fresh and remove any customizations or settings that may be causing issues.
How Do I Uninstall the Microsoft Photos App?
To uninstall the Microsoft Photos App, you’ll need to use the Windows PowerShell command-line tool. To do this, press the Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu. Then, type the command “Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$.InstallLocation -like “SystemAppsMicrosoft.MicrosoftPhotos*”} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($.InstallLocation)}” and press Enter.
Once you’ve uninstalled the app, you’ll need to reinstall it to restore its functionality. Don’t worry, reinstalling the app is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.
How Do I Reinstall the Microsoft Photos App?
To reinstall the Microsoft Photos App, you’ll need to use the Microsoft Store. To do this, open the Microsoft Store app on your device and search for “Microsoft Photos” in the search bar. Click on the app’s icon to open its page, then click the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
Once the installation is complete, you can open the app and start using it again. You may need to sign in with your Microsoft account to access certain features or sync your photos and videos across devices.
Will I Lose My Photos and Videos by Reinstalling the App?
No, reinstalling the Microsoft Photos App will not delete or remove your photos and videos. The app stores your media files in the “Pictures” and “Videos” folders on your device, which are separate from the app’s installation files. When you reinstall the app, your media files will remain intact and unaffected.
However, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or other secure location to ensure they’re protected in case of any data loss or system crashes.
Can I Reinstall the Microsoft Photos App on Older Versions of Windows?
The Microsoft Photos App is exclusive to Windows 10 devices, which means you cannot reinstall it on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8. If you’re using an older version of Windows, you’ll need to use alternative photo and video management apps or software.
If you’re experiencing issues with the Photos App on Windows 10, reinstalling the app should resolve the problem. However, if you’re using an older version of Windows, you may need to explore other solutions or upgrade to Windows 10 to access the app’s features.
Is the Microsoft Photos App Free to Reinstall?
Yes, the Microsoft Photos App is free to reinstall. The app is a pre-installed application on Windows 10 devices, and reinstalling it does not require any payment or subscription. You can reinstall the app as many times as you need without incurring any costs.
Reinstalling the app is a quick and easy way to resolve issues or start fresh with the app’s features and functionality. Since the app is free, you don’t need to worry about any additional costs or fees associated with reinstalling it.