Trying to open a photo on your Windows 11 PC only to be greeted with the “Class Not Registered” error can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you’re opening a cherished family picture, a downloaded screenshot, or an important work-related image, this error prevents Windows from launching the image viewer properly. But there is no need to lose sleep over it. Follow along to try out these 9 best tips and tricks to fix the class not registered error while opening images in Windows 11.
How to Fix Class Not Registered Error While Opening Images in Windows 11
In most cases, the problem isn’t caused by the image itself. Instead, it usually occurs because of a corrupted Microsoft Photos app, damaged system files, broken file associations, missing Windows components, or incorrect app registration. Thankfully, you don’t need advanced technical knowledge to fix it.
1. Restart Your Windows 11 PC
Temporary glitches in Windows Explorer, background services, or the Microsoft Photos app can prevent image files from opening correctly. Restarting your computer refreshes these services and often resolves minor software issues.
- First and foremost, be sure to save your open work and close all applications.
- Click the Start menu.
- Select the Power icon > Restart.
2. Repair the Microsoft Photos App
If the Photos app has corrupted files or missing components, Windows may fail to launch it properly and display the Class Not Registered error. Repairing the app restores its functionality without deleting your data.
- On your PC, launch Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Microsoft Photos.
- Click the three-dot menu beside it.
- Select Advanced options > Repair.
3. Reset the Microsoft Photos App
If repairing doesn’t solve the problem, resetting the app removes corrupted settings and restores it to its default configuration. This can fix deeper issues affecting image opening.
- Go to Settings on your Windows device > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Microsoft Photos > Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset.
4. Set Microsoft Photos as the Default Image Viewer
Incorrect file associations can cause Windows to use a damaged or unsupported application when opening image files. Assigning Photos as the default app restores the correct association.
- Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Search for Photos > open the app settings.
- After that, you need to assign it as the default for formats such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, and .gif.
5. Re-register the Microsoft Photos App
Sometimes the Photos app loses its Windows registration after an update or system issue. Re-registering it restores the required Windows components and registry entries.
- Press Windows + X > Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Enter the following command.
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} - Press Enter and allow the command to finish.
- Once that’s done, do not forget to restart your PC.
6. Run the System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted Windows system files can prevent built-in applications like Microsoft Photos from working correctly. The System File Checker automatically repairs damaged files.
- Head over to Command Prompt (as Administrator).
- Type the following command.
sfc /scannow - Press Enter.
- Be sure to let the scan reach 100% without any hindrance and reboot your PC.
7. Repair the Windows Component Store Using DISM
If Windows system components become corrupted, SFC may not be able to repair them completely. DISM restores the Windows image from Microsoft’s repair source.
- To begin, fire up the Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following command.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Press Enter.
- Make sure to give the full freedom to the repair process to finish.
8. Update Microsoft Photos and Windows 11
Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs affecting the Photos app and Windows image handling. Installing the latest updates may eliminate compatibility problems responsible for the error.
- Open the Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
- Update Microsoft Photos if available.
- Next, open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
9. Create a New User Account
If your Windows user profile becomes corrupted, application registrations and settings may stop functioning correctly. Creating a new account helps determine whether the issue is limited to your current profile.
- Navigate to Settings app > Accounts > Other users.
- Click Add account.
- Now, follow the prompts to create a new local or Microsoft account.
- Sign in with the new account.
FAQs
1. What causes the “Class Not Registered” error when opening images in Windows 11?
The error is commonly caused by a corrupted Microsoft Photos app, broken file associations, damaged system files, missing app registrations, or a corrupted Windows user profile.
2. Will resetting the Microsoft Photos app delete my pictures?
No. Resetting the Photos app only restores its settings and clears app data. Your personal photos and image files remain safe.
3. Can I use another image viewer instead of Microsoft Photos?
Yes. Applications such as Paint, IrfanView, XnView, or other trusted image viewers can open image files if the Microsoft Photos app continues to experience issues.
Sometimes. An incomplete or faulty Windows update may affect app registrations or system components, leading to this error. Installing the latest updates often resolves the issue.
5. Should I run both SFC and DISM?
Yes. Running SFC first and then DISM is recommended because the two tools complement each other and repair different types of Windows system corruption.
Signing off..!
And that’s about it! This error can interrupt your workflow, but it’s usually caused by software issues rather than damaged image files. Problems with the Microsoft Photos app, incorrect file associations, or corrupted Windows components are the most common reasons behind this error.
