How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10

How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10

As a seasoned Windows user with decades of digital photography under my belt, I can attest to the frustration that arises when our beloved Photos app starts acting up. Thankfully, Microsoft has provided us with several solutions to fix common issues without losing our precious memories.


In this article, I’ll demonstrate several methods to troubleshoot issues with the built-in Photos app on Windows 11 (and 10), as it serves as the primary tool for managing and enhancing your photos, but if you encounter any problems, don’t worry – here are some solutions.

If your Photos application repeatedly fails, freezes, or has trouble loading pictures, or if certain features aren’t functioning as expected, there might be an underlying problem with the current configuration of the app.

If you’ve updated Windows 11 following downloads from the Microsoft Store and have restarted your computer, there are several solutions to tackle frequent problems, such as repairing, resetting, or reinstalling applications. Rest assured, none of these approaches will erase your photographs from your device.

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through various methods to swiftly fix issues with the Photos application on your Windows PC.

How to repair Photos app on Windows

To repair the Photos app, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click the Installed apps page on the right side.

How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10

  1. Click the menu button for the Photos app and click on Advanced options.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10
  1. Click the Repair button.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10

Once you complete the steps, reopen the app, and it should work properly.

How to reset Photos app on Windows

To reset the Photos app, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click the Installed apps page on the right side.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10
  1. Click the menu button for the Photos app and click on Advanced options.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10
  1. Click the Reset button.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10

Once you finish the process, the system automatically resets the app, erasing its stored data while leaving your photos untouched.

How to reinstall Photos app on Windows

To reinstall the Photos app, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click the Installed apps page on the right side.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10
  1. Click the menu button for the Photos app and click the Uninstall option.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10
  1. Click the menu button for the Photos app and click the Uninstall option.
  2. Click the Uninstall button again.
  3. Open the Microsoft Store app.
  4. Search for Microsoft Photos in the search box.
  5. Click on the top result.
  6. Click the Install button.
How to reset Photos app to fix problems on Windows 11 and 10

After following the given instructions, the Photos application should function properly on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

If the issue continues, it might indicate a software glitch within the application. In such cases, it’s possible that Microsoft will soon provide a fix through an update.

More resources

Read More

2024-10-16 15:09