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FIX: Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows Photo Viewer(WPV) is the default photo viewer in Windows 8.1, 8 and 7. Windows 10 users can also still use the software for opening images, but it’s not theplatform’s default photo viewer.
WPV occasionally returns this error message for some users,Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture because either Photo Viewer doesn’t support this file, or you don’t have the latest updates.
Consequently, the WPV users can’t open their images with the software. Here are a few potential fixes that might resolve this software issue.
What can I do if Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture?
1. Does Photo Viewer Support the Image’s File Format?
The error message highlights that Photo Viewer might not support the image’s file format. WPV doesn’t support that many formats. The software supports JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIFF, and TIFF.
The image isn’t going to open in WPV if it has anincompatible file format.
If your picture isn’t one of Photo Viewer’s supported file formats, convert it to a JPEG, GIFF or BMP. Open the image with editing software that does support its format and selectFile>Save as.
Then selectJPEGfrom the Save as type drop-down menu, and press theSavebutton.
2. Quickest solution: Install Adobe Illustrator
Before trying anything else, you can use an automated solution that will do the job for you. We recommend you use a photo editing utility that is compatible with all major file formats.
Adobe Illustratoris primarily a graphic design utility, but it can also be of great use when it comes to picture viewing and opening.
Due to the fact that it is a professional design software, it is configured to be able to open many different types of media formats.
The software can help you sort out your image files in different folders and categories, so you can easily keep them in check. You can also make great use of its editing features.
Most people do use photo editing software anyway, so why not use yours for photo viewing as well and kill two birds with one stone?
3. Run the System File Checker
If Photo Viewer does support the image’s file format and you’re still getting the same error message, run the System File Checker. It could have something to do with corrupt system files. In which case, an SFC could do the trick.
If the command doesn’t work or the process stops without completing, we’ve written acomplete guidethat will help you deal with scannow issues.
Also, if you want to fix corrupted system files on Windows 10, here’s ourin-depth guideto help you with that.
4. Restore Windows with the System Restore Tool
System Restore restores Windows to a previous date. With that you can return Windows back to a time when WPV was opening all supported file formats without an error message. This is how you can utilize the System Restore tool.
A System restore point is very useful and it can save you from a lot of headaches. If you want to know how to create one,take a look at this useful step-by-step guide.
5. Turn off Android Encryption
Android mobiles have encryption settings that encrypt accounts, apps, media and files. Encryption on mobiles also encrypts images. Consequently, WPV might not open encrypted image files imported from Android phones.
You can fix that by switching the mobile encryption off. On Android 5.0 or higher phones selectSettings>Security. You can then select an encryption setting from there to encrypt and decrypt the phone.
Decryption will take a while, so plug the mobile in to charge it. Transfer the same image files from the mobile to Windows again after decrypting them.
Note that not allAndroid phoneshave a decrypt button, and for those that don’t, such as Nexus 5, a factory reset is usually required.
6. Update Windows
The error message also states,you don’t have the latest updates.This suggests you might have an outdated version of WPV that needs an update. For example, Microsoft released an update that fixed a Photo Viewer printing issue.
As such, checking for updates in Windows 10 might also fix this WPV issue. Note that Microsoft no longer supports Windows 8.
7. Add a third-party software to Windows
If you still can’t fix Photo Viewer, who needs it anyway? Windows 10 users can always open images withthe Photos app. There are also plenty of greatthird-party software alternativesto WPV that you can open images with.
We recommend FileViewer Plus as it has a straightforward interface and a plethora of very useful features. Easy to set up and use just as drag-and-drop. A free fully-functional trial is available todownload here.
Those are a few of the potential remedies that will fix Photo Viewer so that the software opens the images you need it to again. Even if the fixes don’t resolve this WPV issue for you, you can always open the pictures with auniversal file viewer.
You’re not happy with Windows Photo Viewer? Read our guide withthe best photo viewersfor Windows 10.
If you want to learn more about photo viewers for Windows 10, please read allour articles regarding this subject.
If you experienced any other Windows 10 errors we’ve got you covered. Check out ourWindows 10 errorshub.
If you have any suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:fix image,photo viewer
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
