Microsoft Photos Crashes When Opening Images in Windows 11

First determine whether Photos crashes with every image or only one file type or folder. Resetting the app cannot repair a damaged image, and deleting package data before this comparison can remove useful evidence and local preferences.

Isolate the app from the file

Open Photos from Start without selecting an image.
Test a known-good small JPG or PNG from a local folder.
Test the problem image in another trusted viewer or browser.
Copy one problem image to a local folder if it currently lives on a network, cloud, phone, or removable drive.

If one image fails in every viewer, preserve the original and investigate file damage.
If one format fails only in Photos, update Photos and the relevant supported codec.
If every image crashes Photos but works elsewhere, focus on the app package or profile.
If only network or cloud files fail, investigate availability and permissions first.

Use Windows repair before reset

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Photos > Advanced options. Select Repair, then repeat the exact image test. Repair is less disruptive because it is intended to preserve app data.

Use Reset only if Repair fails and you understand that app data and preferences can be removed. Avoid manually deleting package folders; Microsoft Store apps have managed package state and permissions.

Also install pending Microsoft Store updates and Windows updates. If the crash began after a graphics-driver change and Photos fails during video or animated-image playback, compare the OEM-supported graphics driver path.

Verify the result

Open the original problem file, a known-good image, and a second file type. Close and reopen Photos and repeat. Success requires the original failing scenario to work, not merely the app window to launch.

How Againly helps

Againly can compare app, file, package, update, and graphics evidence, recommend Repair before Reset when appropriate, and re-test the original image after an approved change.

[CTA: Try free diagnosis]

Evidence-led support

Want help diagnosing this on your PC?

Againly checks the local evidence and shows you a proposed plan before making changes.

Download Againly Free →

Diagnosis-first coverage: executable changes are offered only when this PC's evidence and available capabilities support them.

Works on Windows 10 & 11 · No credit card required