Windows typically uses the Microsoft Photos app to open JPG files, a feature that is default with the operating system. While Microsoft Photos may not match the capabilities of some third-party software, it generally provides a user-friendly experience for viewing images. However, users occasionally encounter issues that prevent them from opening JPG files. These problems could arise from various sources, whether related to the Photos app itself or the operating system. Here, we’ll explore a range of solutions to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue of JPG files not opening in Windows.
Solution 1: Verify Your JPG File
Before delving into software solutions, it’s important to check the JPG file itself. A few common file issues could be causing the problem:
- File Extension and Name Length: Ensure that the file retains the correct extension, ‘.jpg,’ and that the name isn’t excessively long. Renaming the file and shortening its name can sometimes rectify the problem.
- File Size: Windows may struggle to open very large JPG files. If you suspect this is the case, use an image editing tool to reduce the file size before attempting to open it again.
- Corruption: If the file is corrupted, Windows won’t open it. To test if you can open other JPG files downloaded from the internet, compare them with your own. If those open without issues, the problem likely lies with the original file.
Solution 2: Repair, Update, or Reset the Microsoft Photos App
If the JPG file appears to be intact, the Microsoft Photos app may be malfunctioning. To troubleshoot the app, you can take the following approaches:
1- Update the App: Access the Microsoft Store via the Start menu and search for the Microsoft Photos app. If an update is available, click ‘Update‘ from the left-hand menu and wait for the installation to complete. Try opening a JPG file afterward.
2- Repair the App: If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, close the Microsoft Store and go to the Start menu.
3- Right-click the Start button and select ‘Installed apps.’ Locate the Photos app in the list, click on the three dots next to it, and select ‘Advanced options.’
4- Here, you will find a ‘Repair‘ button; click it. After the process concludes, check if you can open JPG files.
5- Reset the App: If the repair does not work, revisit the ‘Advanced options‘ setting for the Photos app and click ‘Reset.’ Note that this action will clear all user data associated with the app, potentially resolving any corruption issues.
Solution 3: Try Alternative Applications
Should the Microsoft Photos app still not function, consider using a different program to access your JPG files.
1- Third-Party Applications: Lightweight applications like IrfanView allow you to open JPG files and support various image formats. After installing the preferred application, simply right-click your JPG file, select ‘Open with,’ and choose your new program.
2- Set Default Application: If your chosen app can open JPG files, you can set it as the default for this file type. Right-click on any JPG file, select ‘Properties,’.
3- And then click on ‘Change‘ in the ‘Opens with‘ section to select your preferred application.
4- Click ‘Set default’ once you’ve made your choice.
Solution 4: Execute an SFC Scan
Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including problems with opening JPG images. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can help.
1- Open the Start menu, type cmd, and right-click to select ‘Run as administrator.’
2- In the Command Prompt, enter sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3- Allow the scan to complete, then run the following commands one by one, hitting Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4- After the processes have completed, restart your computer and check if you can now open your JPG files.
Solution 5: Re-register Microsoft Store Apps
Sometimes, re-registering Microsoft Store apps, including Photos, can rectify issues.
1- Open the Start menu, type powershell, and select ‘Run as administrator.’
2- In the PowerShell window, execute the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This command will re-register all Microsoft Store apps and should restore functionality to the Photos app.
Solution 6: Reinstall the Photos App via PowerShell
If issues persist, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Photos app:
1- Open PowerShell with administrator rights.
2- Enter the command:
get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage
3- After it’s uninstalled, visit the Microsoft Store to reinstall the Photos app.
Solution 7: Adjust File Type Associations
File type associations can sometimes get altered, which might compound the issue of not being able to open JPG files.
1- Open the Settings app using Win + I and select ‘Apps’ from the left sidebar.
2- Click on ‘Default apps.’
3- Type .jpg in the search box; the current default app will be listed.
4- Click on it to change the default application and select a different one. Confirm by clicking the ‘Set default’ button.
Solution 8: Check for Windows Updates
Your version of Windows may have bugs affecting the ability to open JPG files. Keeping your system up to date can help rectify these issues.
1- Go to the Settings app, then select ‘Windows Update’ from the bottom left.
2- Click on ‘Check for updates’ to see if there are any available.
3- If updates are found, allow Windows to download and install them, and then restart your computer.
Solution 9: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
While updates usually contain improvements, they sometimes introduce new bugs. If you cannot open JPG files post-update, consider uninstalling the most recent updates.
1- Navigate to the Windows Update page in the Settings app.
2- Click on ‘Update history,’ then scroll down and select ‘Uninstall updates.’
3- Here you can view recently installed updates; click ‘Uninstall’ for any that may be causing the issue.
Solution 10: Conduct a Malware Scan
Malware or viruses can disrupt various functionalities, including the ability to open images. Running a scan for these threats is advisable:
1- Click on the taskbar up arrow to view hidden icons, then locate your antivirus program and open it.
2- Select the ‘Deep scan’ or ‘Complete scan’ option and wait for the process to finish.
3- Follow any recommendations given by the antivirus, and restart your computer before trying to open JPG files again.
Solution 11: Run CHKDSK Scan
Running a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan can help identify and fix corrupted files.
1- Open Command Prompt with elevated privileges.
2- Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
3- Follow any prompts, and once CHKDSK has completed, restart your system and attempt to open JPG files again.
Solution 12: Utilize the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
For Windows 10 users, the Store Apps Troubleshooter is a specialized tool that can help address issues with Store apps like Microsoft Photos.
- Open Settings and select ‘Update & Security.’
- Click on ‘Troubleshoot,’ then find and select Windows Store Apps. Click the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to resolve the problem.
Additional Considerations
- Corrupt Files: If you find that your JPG files are indeed corrupted and cannot be opened, consider utilizing specialized repair tools such as JPEG Repair Shop or PixRecovery to attempt to recover the files.
- System Restore: If you’ve created a restore point prior to experiencing issues, you can revert your system to that state, which may resolve the problems with opening JPG files.
- Third-Party App Conflicts: Newly-installed image editing software can sometimes interfere with file associations. If you recently installed such an app, remove it to see if file access is restored.
In summary, numerous solutions exist for troubleshooting JPG opening issues on Windows. By carefully observing each step and checking system settings, you can often identify the root cause and restore functionality for opening your JPG files.