Read time: 8 minutes
Microsoft replaced Windows Photo Gallery with Microsoft Photos back in 2017. Since then users have been facing different kinds of errors with Windows Photo Gallery. Some of the most common errors include photos not loading, inability to preview thumbnails, error syncing online albums, etc.
These errors make it difficult to view images and in worst case scenario, even corrupt the images. Know the signs of errors in your Windows Photo Gallery and why you might be experiencing an error. We’ll also describe some easy methods to fix Windows Photo Gallery errors.
Symptoms of Windows Photo Gallery errors
Any disruption while viewing or editing your images indicates that your Photo Gallery app is experiencing an error. Some common symptoms of errors in Windows Photo Gallery include:
- It’s taking too long to load images.
- Images or videos aren’t opening in the Windows Photo Gallery app.
- The Photo Gallery app crashes unexpectedly while you’re viewing your image.
- The image opened in the photo gallery app has visual distortions, like blurriness, photo is faded, uneven colored patches, etc.
- Photos can’t be imported in the Windows Photo Gallery app.
- Error messages might pop up while trying to use different features like the slideshow feature.
Reasons for Windows Photo Gallery errors
Errors in your Photos app can disrupt your workflow and may even introduce corruption in your images. There can be a variety of reasons behind Windows Photo Gallery errors such as:
- Outdated Photos Gallery app.
- Images are corrupt and won’t open in the Windows Photo Gallery.
- Improperly configured settings in the Photos gallery can also create errors.
- Insufficient storage can create issues while trying to open large sized files.
- Image has incorrect file extension.
Methods to fix Windows photo gallery errors
Facing errors while trying to view your images is frustrating, to say the least. But it’s reassuring to know the ways to fix Windows Gallery errors. Let’s see the different methods below:
Method 1. Update the Windows operating system
An outdated Windows OS is the reason behind a lot of errors appearing in your system. Update your system frequently to remove bugs and keep up with the latest advancements and security pathces. Follow these steps to update your Windows OS:
- Go to the ‘Settings’ on your computer.
- Under ‘Update & Security,’ click on ‘Windows Update.’
- Click on ‘Check for updates’ to check if any updates are available.
Method 2. Run the SFC command
The System File Checker is a feature available in Windows that allows the users to scan and restore corrupted files. It is a convenient and effective method to resolve issues within the applications, including Photo Gallery. Even in this case, running the SFC command can detect and fix the Windows Photo Gallery error. Follow the steps below to do so:
- In the search box, type ‘Command Prompt.’
- Right-click on it and select ‘Run as administrator.’
- Type ‘sfc/scannow_’ and press ‘Enter.’
Method 3. Run a Disk cleanup
Disk cleanup is another helpful Microsoft Windows feature that removes temporary files and other junk data. This data occupies large storage space, which further causes errors and slows the system. Running a Disk Cleanup will help you to purge irrelevant information and fix Windows Photo Gallery error. Follow these simple steps to run a Disk cleanup
- Type ‘Disk cleanup’ in the search box.
- Tick all the files that you want to delete and click on ‘OK’.
Method 4. Scan for virus or malware
Regularly run antivirus to scan for any virus or malware to protect your system from any unnecessary harm or data loss. Any undetected malicious software can cause heavy damage to your system and cause errors in the Photo application.
Method 5. Run the Windows troubleshooter
Troubleshooter is a feature present in Microsoft Windows to search for problems and errors. It goes deep into the root cause of the error and then tries to fix it. Follow these steps to run the Troubleshooter:
- Under ‘Settings’ go to the ‘Update & Security’ tab.
- Click on ‘Additional Troubleshooters’ from the ‘Troubleshoot’ section.
- Scroll down till the end and select ‘Windows Store Apps.’
- Click on ‘Run the troubleshooter’ to begin the scanning process.
Method 6. Uninstall and reinstall Windows Photo Gallery
Try to uninstall and then reinstall your system’s Photo Gallery to try to resolve any issue present. Reinstalling the photo gallery allows you to start on a clean slate, without any issue.
Method 7. Repair damaged and inaccessible photos
The Photos app of your Windows system might face issues due to highly corrupted images. Use a reliable photo repair software to safely repair your corrupt photos and fix Windows Photo Gallery errors. A trusted tool like Kernel Photo Repair utilizes powerful algorithms to fix multiple types of issues in photos. Significant features offered by this tool are:
- Recover and repair JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, etc., photos from smartphones, laptops, cameras, etc.
- Compatible with different brands of cameras, SDXC & SDHC memory cards, USB drives, memory sticks, etc.
- Repair visually distorted images and return them back to their original form.
- Supports bulk repair of multiple photos at once.
- Save recovered images at the location of your choice.
Conclusion
Windows Photo Gallery has been the trusted photo viewer of Windows OS for a long time. However, it does come with a few technical glitches, which can lead to errors and corruption in photos. You can repair your photos manually via the given methods effortlessly. In case of severe corruption of the photos, we recommend opting for a reliable professional tool.
Frequently asked questions
A. Windows Photo Gallery was replaced by Microsoft Photos back in 2017. But you can still use it by either changing your default app via Settings or by downloading it from Archive.org.
A. Your photos might be saved with incorrect file format which makes them incompatible with your photo viewer application.
A. Try to update your Windows Photo Gallery application or run Windows Troubleshooter to resolve errors.
