Where is the default windows 10 photo viewer. Windows photo viewer can't open this image

Why doesn't image preview work in Windows? Sometimes, after installing updates or setting up Windows in the folder where the files with pictures are located, for some reason the preview of these very pictures disappears. And no matter what additional program you install to view images, there are still no thumbnails of the pictures. And this is so inconvenient! Anyone who works with photographs will understand me. Many people think that this only happens in new Windows operating systems. Nothing like this! This can happen in any version of Windows. What to do? Is this a system glitch? Or maybe this is the work of a virus? Only this misfortune was not enough! No, this is not a virus or a system glitch. You just need to change some settings and the image preview will be back in place.

Image preview does not workWindows

In order to return thumbnails of pictures in a folder, we need to get into the system settings.

If you have an icon "My computer"(in Windows XP), "Computer"(on Windows 7) or "This computer"(in Windows 10) is located on the Desktop, then right-click on it and select the item from the drop-down menu "Properties".

For those who do not have this icon on their desktop, go to the menu "Start" and look for either the same icon or a link "Computer" or "This computer" and right-click on it. We also choose "Properties".

After these manipulations we find ourselves in the system settings. On the left we find the link "Advanced system settings" and click on it with the left mouse button.

A small window will open "Properties of the system". On the tab "Additionally" find parameters "Performance" and press the button there "Options".

Another window will open with performance settings. You'll never guess that the visibility of pictures is adjusted here!

On the tab "Visual effects" find the item in the list "Output thumbnails instead of icons" and check the box next to it. Don't forget to save your changes with the button "Apply."

If you have a powerful computer and a memory of more than 4 Gigabytes, you can set the write switch at the top “Provide the best possible view.” Then you will have checkboxes opposite all the system functions.

You can play with these settings and see which function does what. Nothing bad will happen from this.

Video about what to do if image preview does not work in Windows:

You won’t surprise anyone with photographs and pictures on your computer for a long time. However, such a seemingly ordinary thing as a photo cannot be opened without a viewer. But the problem will disappear by itself if you know what to look for.

Windows Photo Viewer

This is a standard Windows 7 program that is installed along with the operating system. Besides, this is the simplest one you can find. Its functionality is minimal:

  • viewing images of all formats;
  • automatic display of photos as a slide show;
  • increase and decrease;
  • Rotate the photo 360 degrees.

He is not capable of anything else. Although why do you need more if its only function is viewing pictures. And he copes with it perfectly. It is also worth noting that this Windows 7 image viewer, due to its simplicity, consumes a minimal amount of RAM, so it starts quickly and works like a clock.

Paint

The well-known standard drawing program for PC. Most often, this is where children begin their acquaintance with computers. However, it is also a good Windows image viewer for almost all common formats.

In addition to multiple drawing features, it has a very useful function of rotating and reflecting the image horizontally and diagonally. In addition, it can be used to save a graphic element in a different format.

Free

- FastStone Image Viewer. A very common image viewer, it has an intuitive interface and is easy to use. Everything is visible, almost all tool buttons are clear at first glance, the folder tree will help you find photos without leaving the program, thumbnails of pictures are shown.

In addition, the utility is notable for its great functionality for editing and minor processing of photos, as well as the ability to view them in full screen mode. In the same mode, you can edit using the pop-up toolbar.

A distinctive feature of the program is the function of collective file renaming, it is called “Batch conversion\renaming”. For more convenient viewing, you can create a slide show with quite interesting settings (display in random order, use of effects and music, compress photos, etc.).

- Picasa. Also a very famous image viewer. It has a design that is both simple and sophisticated. When you open a picture, the editing panel immediately opens using filters (auto-light correction, retouching, removing red eyes, etc.). You can also experiment with colors, brightness, and contrast.

As in the previous program, there is a function for creating slide shows with the addition of various effects, transitions and music. However, this is not the main feature of Picasa. It is famous for its ability to find a specific person in a photo or group photos with a certain personality.

An excellent utility for viewing graphic files. Has a stylish modern design. Supports many well-known and not so well-known image formats. It can be controlled using hot keys, and it is also possible to write a caption for a photo. In addition, with its help, any picture can easily become wallpaper on your desktop.

This utility does not contain any serious editing functions. However, it is somewhat different from its relatives in that it does not need to be installed and is not case sensitive. Therefore, you can safely carry it on a flash drive and use it to view various kinds of images.

Microsoft Office program

The world-famous Microsoft Office software package is installed on almost every computer. It includes a large number of office utilities, including an image viewer. It's called Microsoft Office Picture Manager.

Its functionality is small, but it is enough for viewing photos and editing them a little. With it you can:

  • flip or rotate the image;
  • crop or change resolution;
  • adjust color, brightness and contrast;
  • remove red eye, etc.

This utility is capable of opening graphic elements in many formats. The only caveat is that the license for the software package from Microsoft is paid, and does not cost that little. But you can find a hacked office on torrents (however, this is highly undesirable, since using pirated programs can result in a hefty fine).

Which one is better to choose?

Of course, it is impossible to definitely say which is the best image viewer. It all depends on the user’s preferences, what functions he wants to see and what to do with the photo. But we can definitely say that it is useful to have a couple of different programs on your computer. For example, you can use a standard utility for simple viewing and Paint for minimal editing and resaving, and additionally install FastStone Image Viewer for advanced actions with graphic files.

When installing the Windows 10 operating system, the user encounters a problem. Microsoft has deprived users of a popular program that provided high-quality, fast and convenient image viewing. Users were offered an alternative. The program is called "Photos". Despite the fact that this tool is not inferior to the photo viewer in terms of functionality, and even slightly superior, many users did not like it. The point here is the convenience and design of the program. Many conservative users want to return to their previous photo viewing, as in the old and familiar Windows 7. Below are several quick and easy ways to install the familiar, old gallery for your computer with the newest operating system.

Returning the program for viewing pictures after updating the OS to the latest

When updating the system, the photo viewer does not disappear and is not hidden in the system in any way. You can easily find it in the list with programs and use your usual gallery application. To do this, you need to perform a number of simple steps:

  1. Right-click on absolutely any image that has been downloaded to your computer’s hard drive, and in the window that appears, select “Open with.”

  2. A list will appear in which you can find a gallery from old systems. To open a photo once using this program, just click on it.

  3. To always open all photos of this type using the “Photo Viewer”, you need to click on the line “Select another application”. The line is below all other applications.

  4. In the window, select the program we need. Next, you need to make sure that the program always opens images, and not just once. Click on the line “Always use this program to open such files” (also any other graphic ones, you need to install them separately).

After this simple procedure, everything will open normally and correctly, just like in Windows 7.

Installing the usual photo viewing for everyone when installing Windows 10 completely

If you have installed Windows 10 on your computer and want to return to the usual method of viewing photos, then this is not so easy. In Windows 10, Microsoft programmers hid the beloved Photo Viewer program. If you try to set this as your default photo viewer, you simply won't be able to find the app you need. However, it is quite easy to return it.

Bringing Back the Photo Viewer with Winaero Tweaker

Interesting! Winaero Tweaker is usually used to configure the functional component, including the program allows you to use various hidden functions for the needs of users. In addition, there is no need to install the program; it will be able to launch and work normally directly from the folder.

To return the usual photo viewing using the Winaero Tweaker utility, we need:


After that, in your Windows 10, all supported files will be opened in the familiar and beloved gallery from Windows 7.

Installing an alternative program for viewing graphic files

If you don't like the new Photo program because it's slow and unstable, has a bad and unusual design, or for various other reasons, then you can return to the old gallery you're used to with a few simple steps, or go a different route.

The easiest way to solve this problem is to simply download any other user-recommended program for viewing photos from third-party developers.

On the Internet you can find hundreds of different programs for viewing photos of all known formats and working with them. Perhaps you will find a program that you like even more than its Windows 7 counterpart.

Interesting! Modern applications are able to offer the consumer truly enormous functionality, a beautiful and intuitive interface, as well as fast and safe operation. Some galleries even have their own small cloud storage where you can upload your photos, and they are not afraid for the safety of your computer’s hard drive.

Enabling Photo Viewer via Powershell

Let's figure out what Powershell is and for what purposes it is used. In essence, this is a much more functional and advanced “Command Line” from older versions of the operating system. Experienced users and programmers can work through this application with services and any processes in the operating system. But, unfortunately, it will not be so easy for ordinary users to figure this out. Using the command line analogue, we can do what we need - install the usual image viewer.

To enable Photo Viewer from older systems via Powershell we need:


You can find teams on the Internet, but we do not recommend using this method if you are not confident that you can do everything efficiently. To be on the safe side, be sure to make a restore point or system backup.

After inserting all the required lines, accept the changes and the desired result will be achieved. This is a fairly simple but dangerous method that requires virtually no action from you.

What to do if you can’t open a graphic file

In any gallery, whether it is simple, understandable and proven from “Seven” or this new “Photos” application, which recently appeared on computers and most users found it inconvenient, unexpected problems may arise with viewing photos. They simply won't start, and you won't be able to fully use your computer.

Let's think about what can be done in such a situation and look at a detailed solution to problems using the example of different operating systems

Problems with Photo Viewer in the "seven"

A fairly common problem is that Photo Viewer cannot open the file you need. Users are looking for solutions to this problem. Here is a solution to this problem:


Video - How to recover damaged files

If your operating system was working fine just a few weeks ago, then all you need is . This can only be done if you have ever created a special point on your PC to which you can roll back the system, or if this was done automatically by your system. If it doesn't exist yet, we recommend creating it. After all, the useful System Restore program can correct any violation related to the operation of the operating system itself.


Another way to restore normal photo viewing is to touch the registry

Many useful settings and options are found in the registry. Parts of some applications may remain here due to a failed system uninstall. Therefore, we will try to solve the problem through the registry. For this:


Resetting the application

The first thing that is recommended to do if any errors occur with the Photos application is to reset its settings. The essence of the method is that all its data will be erased, and you will start using the running application again. The method is very simple and often turns out to be effective.

  1. Open the “Settings” of the operating system by clicking on the gear in the “Start” menu or using the keyboard shortcut “Win ​​+ I”.

  2. Next, click on “Applications and Features”.

  3. Find the “Photos” application we need in the list that appears and click on it.

  4. A window will appear containing the treasured “Reset” button.

  5. You will see a warning message on the screen. Agree by clicking the “Reset” button.

So, we looked at some very simple ways that will allow you to use photo viewing in the new Windows 10, which is familiar to everyone. We also learned how to solve problems related to viewing photos in Windows.

Video - Photo Viewer in Windows 10

On Windows 10, you use a store app called Photos. This application has much greater capabilities for viewing and managing images compared to the classic application Viewing Windows Photos, which was the default in previous versions of Windows.

However, if you want to set Classic Viewer as your default program for viewing images, you may find that the application is missing from the Open With menu, Default Programs settings, and assigning file associations to programs in classic control panel. As a result, you cannot set Windows Photo Viewer as your default image viewer.

You upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1

There are no problems here. The ability to use the Windows Photo Viewer application remains in the GUI. You can choose it as your default app in Settings (the new Control Panel) or the Open With menu. You will find step-by-step instructions in our article.

You have done a clean installation of Windows 10

As you can see, the settings for supported file types have special values ​​that correspond to subkeys in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT registry key. By default, these subkeys are also not in the registry and need to be added.

After applying the registry file, Windows Photo Viewer will be available in the Open With image context menu

In the list of applications for opening images

In choosing default applications in system settings

In the File Type Association settings in Classic Control Panel