Recently, a large number of PC users have reported that they can’t open the JPG/JPEG files on their Windows 11 devices. If this issue has struck your device, you are at the right place to resolve the problem and make the JPEG files work with your PC like a charm, all over again. Read on…
Fix – Can’t Open JPG Files on Windows 11 24H2
So, what’s blocking the path of JPEG files on your Windows device? Well, this issue occurs due to many factors such as app corruption, outdated software, incorrect default settings, or even file corruption. Getting to the root cause of the problem, I’m going to discuss the 15 best tips and tricks to fix the JPG files not working on Windows 11. That said, let’s get started with the guide without any more ado!
1. Set the Correct Default App
It’s worth pointing out that Windows might be trying to open JPGs with the wrong or incompatible app. Therefore, make sure to set the correct default app on your PC.
- On your PC, right-click on any JPG file > Now, click Open with > After that, choose another app.
- Then, select Photos or another preferred app > Next, be sure to check Always use this app to open .jpg files > In the end, click OK.
2. Repair the Photos App
Note that the built-in Photos app may be corrupted or misbehave weirdly, thereby blocking the path of the JPG files on your Windows device.
- On your PC, fire up the Settings app > Choose Apps > Installed apps.
- Search and click on Microsoft Photos > Hit the triple-dot icon next to it.
- Now, click Advanced options > Scroll down and click Repair.
3. Reset the Photos App
If the repair didn’t work, I’d recommend you go for a full reset as it allows you to clear all settings and caches with ease.
- On your device, head over to the Settings app > Apps > Installed apps > Click on Microsoft Photos.
- Now, click on the triple-dot right next to the Photos app > Advanced options > Click Reset and confirm when prompted
4. Reinstall the Photos App
Sometimes, an ill-fated app needs to be fully removed and reinstalled from the Store, in order to get it on track.
- To get going, fire up the PowerShell as Administrator on your PC > Run:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage - Now, open Microsoft Store > Search for Microsoft Photos and reinstall it
5. Check for Windows Updates
Note that a recent bug or compatibility issue might be making life difficult for the JPG files and preventing them from functioning properly.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your PC > Choose Windows Update > After that, click Check for updates > Then, go ahead to install all available updates and restart your PC.
6. Use a Different Photo Viewer
Keep in mind that the default app might not be working. In this case, using a third-party app may help in handling JPGs better.
- Therefore, I’d recommend you install a viewer like IrfanView, XnView, or Paint.NET > Right-click a JPG file and set it as the default app for JPGs on your PC.
7. Run the System File Checker
It’s also important to mention that corrupt system files can interfere with photo-viewing apps.
- To begin with, open Command Prompt as Administrator > Run:
sfc /scannow> Let it complete and restart your system.
8. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
The Windows Store Apps troubleshooter tool can let you automatically find and fix issues with built-in apps.
- Head into the Settings app on your device > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- After that, find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
9. Check File Corruption
The JPG file itself might be damaged.
- Try opening the same file on another PC > If it doesn’t open there either, the file is likely corrupted > Try opening a different JPG file to confirm.
10. Convert the File Format
Converting a potentially corrupted JPG to PNG or BMP may bypass compatibility issues.
- Right-click the JPG file and open with Paint > Click File > Save As > Choose PNG or BMP format and save the file
11. Try Opening the File in a Web Browser
Browsers like Chrome or Edge can often let you render images even when other apps fail.
- Open your browser > Drag and drop the JPG file into a new tab > See if the image loads correctly
12. Check File Permissions
Be sure to check the file permissions, as the file might have restricted permissions preventing it from opening.
- Right-click the JPG file and select Properties > Go to the Security tab > Click Edit and make sure your user has Full control > Click Apply and OK
13. Scan for Malware
It’s no secret that malware can interfere with normal file access and app function.
- On your PC, go to Windows Security > Choose Virus & threat protection.
- Now, click Full scan > Remove any detected threats
14. Create a New User Profile
Should the JPG files remain unresponsive on your PC, there is a decent chance the corrupt user profile could be causing the problem.
- Launch Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Now, click Add Account.
- Now, make sure to add a user without a Microsoft account > Set up a new user and log in > Try opening the JPG file in the new profile
15. Perform a Clean Boot
Be warned that the third-party apps or services might be causing conflict with JPG handling. To detect and eliminate the conflicting elements, perform a clean boot.
- To do so, press Windows + R on your device.
- Now, type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Then, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
- After that, navigate to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Then, be sure to disable all startup items > Restart your PC and check if JPG files open.
Wrapping up…
And that wraps up our guide on how to fix JPG files not opening on Windows 11. Whether it’s a glitch in the Photos app or an issue with the file itself, one of these 15 solutions should get things working again. If this video helped you out, be sure to give it a thumbs up, subscribe for more troubleshooting tips, and drop a comment if you have questions or other fixes to share. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one!
