The Microsoft Photos app on Windows 10 is a great tool for managing and editing your photos. However, like any software, it can sometimes encounter issues that prevent it from functioning properly. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the app to organize and edit your precious memories. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to repair the Microsoft Photos app on Windows 10 so that you can continue to enjoy its features without any hassle.
What’s Needed
To repair the Microsoft Photos app on Windows 10, you will need:
- A Windows 10 computer
- Administrator access
- An internet connection (optional, but recommended for updating the app)
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we dive into the methods of repairing the Microsoft Photos app, here are a few key areas that require your attention to ensure a smooth repair process:
- Take note of any error messages or specific issues you are experiencing with the app. This will help us determine the most appropriate method for repair.
- Backup your important photos and videos stored in the app. While the repair process should not affect your media files, it’s always a good idea to have a backup, just in case.
- Ensure that you have the latest version of Windows 10 installed. Software updates often contain bug fixes and improvements that can resolve issues with the Microsoft Photos app.
Option 1. How to Repair Microsoft Photos App via Windows Store
If you are experiencing minor issues with the Microsoft Photos app, such as crashes or slow performance, you can try repairing it through the Windows Store. Here’s how:
1. Open the Windows Store app on your Windows 10 computer.
2. Search for "Microsoft Photos" in the search bar.
3. Select the Microsoft Photos app from the search results.
4. Click on the "Install" button to reinstall the app.
Pros:
– Easy and convenient method.
– Reinstalling the app can fix minor issues and restore its functionality.
Cons:
– This method may not work for more complex issues.
– May require a stable internet connection to reinstall the app.
Option 2. How to Repair Microsoft Photos App via PowerShell
If the Windows Store method did not resolve your issue, you can try repairing the Microsoft Photos app using PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool in Windows 10. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" to open PowerShell with administrator privileges.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for the command to execute, and once completed, close PowerShell.
4. Restart your computer.
Pros:
– PowerShell can repair system-level issues that may be affecting the Microsoft Photos app.
– This method is more comprehensive and can fix a wider range of problems compared to the Windows Store method.
Cons:
– Requires administrator access.
– Command-line interface may be intimidating for some users.
Option 3. How to Repair Microsoft Photos App via Windows Settings
If the issue with the Microsoft Photos app is related to its settings or permissions, you can try repairing it through the Windows Settings. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings.
2. Click on "Apps" and select "Apps & features" from the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down until you find the "Microsoft Photos" app and click on it.
4. Click on the "Advanced options" link.
5. In the app settings page, click on the "Repair" button.
Pros:
– This method is user-friendly and can resolve settings-related issues.
– Does not require any technical knowledge.
Cons:
– Limited to fixing settings and permissions issues.
– May not work for more complex problems.
Option 4. How to Repair Microsoft Photos App via Windows PowerShell
If the previous methods did not solve your issue, you can try repairing the Microsoft Photos app using Windows PowerShell with a different command. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" to open PowerShell with administrator privileges.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage *photo* | Remove-AppxPackage
3. Wait for the command to execute, and once completed, close PowerShell.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Open the Windows Store app and search for "Microsoft Photos" again.
6. Click on the "Install" button to reinstall the app.
Pros:
– Provides a fresh start by completely removing the app and reinstalling it.
– Can fix more stubborn issues that other methods may not resolve.
Cons:
– Requires administrator access.
– May take longer due to the complete reinstallation process.
Why Can’t I Repair Microsoft Photos App?
If the methods mentioned above were unsuccessful in repairing the Microsoft Photos app on your Windows 10 computer, here are three alternative solutions you can consider:
1. Use an alternative photo management app: There are several third-party photo management apps available that can serve as a replacement for the Microsoft Photos app. Some popular alternatives include Adobe Lightroom, Google Photos, and ACDSee.
2. Rollback to a previous Windows version: If the issue with the Microsoft Photos app started occurring after a Windows update, you can consider rolling back to a previous version of Windows. This can sometimes resolve compatibility issues that may be causing the problem.
3. Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the available solutions work for you, reaching out to Microsoft Support can provide you with more personalized assistance. They may be able to diagnose and resolve the issue specific to your computer.
Implications and Recommendations
Considering the importance of the Microsoft Photos app in managing and editing your photos, it’s essential to keep it in good working order. To avoid future issues, here are three recommendations:
1. Regularly update Windows 10: Keeping your operating system up to date ensures that you have the latest bug fixes and improvements. These updates can often address issues with the Microsoft Photos app and other software.
2. Backup your photos and videos: As mentioned earlier, it’s always a good practice to have a backup of your important photos and videos. This ensures that even if something goes wrong with the Microsoft Photos app, you don’t lose your precious memories.
3. Avoid modifying system files: Modifying or deleting system files related to the Microsoft Photos app can lead to instability and further issues. Unless you are an advanced user with knowledge of the system, it’s best to avoid making any unauthorized modifications.
The Bottom Line
The Microsoft Photos app is a valuable tool for managing and editing your photos on Windows 10. By following the methods and recommendations mentioned in this blog post, you can repair the app and continue enjoying its features seamlessly. Remember to identify the specific issue you are facing, backup your media files, and try the different repair methods until you find one that works for you. And if all else fails, exploring alternative solutions or seeking support from Microsoft can help resolve the problem. Happy photo managing!
