What to do if you can’t view photos on Windows 10

Windows Photo Viewer (WPV) is a built-in app on Windows 7 and 8 to view photos. In the latest versions of Microsoft’s operating system, “Photos”, which has replaced WPV as default image viewer in windows 10.

Sometime, users encounter an error message “Windows Photo Viewer cannot open this image because you do not have the latest versions of your photo viewer, or it doesn’t support the format.

It could result from variety different reasons. Let us discuss the causes, along with solutions that you can try yourself at home!

Windows 10 is a great operating system, but some glitches can be frustrating. One of those problems is ‘Can’t view photos on Windows 10’ error messages that pop up for no apparent reason and prevent you from viewing your precious memories in full detail. Here are some possible solutions to help fix the problem fast!

Cause 1: Windows Photo Viewer is not updated

Have you updated the software on your computer? Windows Photo Viewer might not work properly if it’s outdated.

It might be possible that the Windows Photo Viewer version you are using is outdated, leading to a ‘can’t view photos’ error.

Solution: Update Photo Viewer App

The latest version of the photo viewer is available on our website. This will help you remove bugs and technical glitches that can occur in older versions, making your experience more enjoyable!

Follow the steps below to upgrade your Windows Photo Viewer on your Windows 10 system:

  • Type “Settings” into the search bar and hit Enter to open up your settings menu.
  • To update and secure your computer, go to “Windows Update” on the dashboard.
  • You should click “Check for Updates” to make sure that you have the most up-to date versions of everything.
  • Check the “Photo Viewer” checkbox.
  • Next, click on “Install Updates” to continue.
  • Once the updates installed, reboot your system to let them take effect.

Cause 2: Image Format is not supported

Sometimes the image you try to open using Windows Photo Viewer is not supported. If this happens, even though most images are in a JPEG format or GIF file type. For example with PNG being an option as well if they don’t work then there’s another option available that may be more suitable such HEIC which stands for High-Efficiency Image File Format. It offer better quality than what was originally seen when browsing from within your computer screen without installing any application onto their device – these types can result in less data consumption while still providing comparable results regardless of whether they’re viewing them on paper rather than pixels!

Solutions: Open Photos in Different Application

You can open the photos in other supporting applications, like Adobe Photoshop.

  • Right-click on the respective image.
  • Select “Open with”.
  • You’ll see a range of ways to open the picture. You can also select “Choose another app” to view the photo.

Convert the Image Format

When you can’t view your photos, there is a solution! Convert the photo format to JPG or PNG and save it on a computer with Windows Photo Viewer. This will fix any errors that may prevent viewing of images in this program such as ‘Can’t display Picture’.

Cause 3: Corrupt Photos

If the above methods do not work, it indicates that the photo file is broken or corrupt.

Solution: Use Photo Repair Software to Repair Corrupt Photos

Stellar Repair for Photo is the perfect solution to restore your photos. The software has an “Advance Repair” feature that can help fix corrupt photo files, and it only requires three easy steps!

  • In order to fix a photo, you need the “Repair” option.
  • Choose “Repair” to initiate the photo repairing process.
  • Select the desired location, preview the repaired photos, and save them where you want.

Cause 4: Encrypted Photos

The photos can’t be viewed because of the encryption settings on different operating systems, such as Android and iOS.

Solution: Disable Encryption in the Image File

The option to turn off encryption is at your fingertips, so you can try opening the picture in WPV.

Follow the steps below to disable the encryption feature:

  • Right-click on the selected photos and go to “Properties”.
  • Go to the “General” tab and click on the “Advanced” icon.
  • Uncheck the “Encrypt contents to secure data” checkbox.
  • Finally, click on “OK”.

Cause 5: Corrupt System Files

If the system files are corrupted, they can create issues with various applications of Windows. For example, you may not be able to view photos on your favorite photo viewer app like “Windows Photo Viewer”.

How to Prevent Can’t View Photos on Windows 10 Error?


The Can’t View Photos on Windows 10 error is a common problem, and there are many solutions for it. One way to prevent this issue from happening in the future would be by backing up your files before installing any updates or apps!

Here are some helpful tips that will help you avoid such a situation:

  • Do not include extensions to files manually when changing the name of an image file.
  • Keep your Windows Photo Viewer tool up-to-date.
  • Be sure to remove the extension of your image files from within the Properties section.
  • Avoid converting the photos into improper formats. It will damage the photos.

The “Windows Photo Viewer can’t open this picture” error is a frustrating experience. In this article, we will discuss how to resolve the problem using various methods such as converting images from one format or application type into another and fixing any errors in your system files with an external tool.

He or she may seek solutions from repairing corrupted files on the computer’s storage device where data is saved.

If none of these methods work, it is a sign you have an image that is corrupted. In such a scenario, you can use an advanced photo repair tool with easy-to-use functionality to restore your photos back up! Stellar Repair for Photo is one such program that repairs almost all types and sizes of pictures within seconds.

Photo corruption is a major issue that can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. Photo repair tools like the one from Stellar Repair for Photos have advanced features and easy-to use functionality to help fix your photos, even when they are corrupt!