The Photos app on Windows 10 is a convenient tool for managing and editing your photos. However, many users have reported that the app keeps crashing, causing frustration and disrupting their workflow. If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why the Photos app keeps crashing on Windows 10 and provide you with solutions to fix the problem.
Understanding the Photos App
Before we dive into the reasons why the Photos app crashes, let’s take a brief look at how the app works. The Photos app is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that allows you to view, edit, and manage your photos. It’s integrated with other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive, to provide a seamless experience across devices. The app uses a combination of system resources, including CPU, memory, and disk space, to function properly.
System Requirements
To run smoothly, the Photos app requires a certain level of system resources. If your computer doesn’t meet these requirements, the app may crash or perform poorly. The minimum system requirements for the Photos app include:
A 64-bit version of Windows 10
At least 2 GB of RAM
A 1 GHz or faster processor
At least 20 GB of available disk space
Checking System Resources
To check if your computer meets the system requirements, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
Type “msinfo32” and press Enter
In the System Information window, click on “System Summary”
Look for the “Processor,” “Installed Physical Memory (RAM),” and “Available Physical Memory” values
If your computer doesn’t meet the system requirements, you may need to upgrade your hardware or close other resource-intensive programs to free up resources for the Photos app.
Troubleshooting the Photos App
Now that we’ve covered the system requirements, let’s move on to troubleshooting the Photos app. There are several reasons why the app may crash, including:
- Corrupted system files: Corrupted system files can cause the Photos app to crash. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted files.
- Outdated drivers: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with the Photos app. You can use the Device Manager to update your drivers.
Resetting the Photos App
If the Photos app is crashing due to a corrupted installation, you can try resetting the app. To reset the Photos app, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app
Click on “Apps”
Click on “Apps & features”
Find the Photos app and click on it
Click on “Advanced options”
Click on “Reset”
Resetting the Photos app will remove all your settings and data, so be sure to back up your photos before doing so.
Disabling and Re-enabling the Photos App
Another solution is to disable and re-enable the Photos app. To do this, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app
Click on “Apps”
Click on “Apps & features”
Find the Photos app and click on it
Click on “Advanced options”
Click on “Disable”
Wait for a few seconds and then click on “Enable”
Disabling and re-enabling the Photos app can help resolve any issues with the app’s installation or configuration.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If the above solutions don’t work, you may need to perform some advanced troubleshooting. This includes:
Checking for updates: Make sure your Windows 10 installation is up to date, as updates often include fixes for common issues.
Checking for malware: Malware can cause the Photos app to crash. Run a full scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.
Checking for disk errors: Disk errors can cause the Photos app to crash. Run the Check Disk (chkdsk) utility to scan and repair any disk errors.
Using the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
The Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help resolve issues with Windows Store apps, including the Photos app. To use the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar
Type “troubleshoot” and press Enter
Click on “Additional troubleshooters”
Find the “Windows Store Apps” troubleshooter and click on it
Click on “Run the troubleshooter”
The troubleshooter will scan your system and detect any issues with the Photos app. Follow the prompts to resolve any issues found.
Re-registering the Photos App
If the Photos app is not registered properly, it may cause the app to crash. To re-register the Photos app, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu
Click on “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
Type the following command and press Enter: “Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}”
Re-registering the Photos app can help resolve any issues with the app’s registration.
Conclusion
The Photos app crashing on Windows 10 can be frustrating, but there are several solutions you can try to fix the issue. By understanding the system requirements, troubleshooting the app, and performing advanced troubleshooting, you can resolve the issue and get back to managing and editing your photos. Remember to always keep your Windows 10 installation up to date and run regular scans with your antivirus software to prevent malware from causing issues with the Photos app. If none of the above solutions work, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional technician.
What are the common reasons for the Photos app crashing on Windows 10?
The Photos app on Windows 10 can crash due to various reasons, including software glitches, corrupted system files, and compatibility issues with other applications. One of the primary reasons is the accumulation of cache and temporary files, which can slow down the app and cause it to crash. Additionally, outdated graphics drivers, conflicts with other system processes, and insufficient system resources can also contribute to the crashing of the Photos app. It is essential to identify the root cause of the issue to apply the appropriate fix.
To troubleshoot the issue, users can start by checking for updates to the Photos app and Windows 10 operating system. They can also try resetting the app, clearing cache and temporary files, and disabling any recently installed extensions or plugins. Furthermore, updating graphics drivers, running disk cleanup and disk defragmentation tools, and checking for malware and viruses can help resolve the issue. By following these steps, users can potentially fix the crashing problem and ensure the smooth functioning of the Photos app on their Windows 10 device.
How do I reset the Photos app on Windows 10?
Resetting the Photos app on Windows 10 can be an effective way to resolve crashing issues. To reset the app, users can go to the Settings app, click on “Apps” or “Applications,” and then select “Apps & features.” From the list of installed apps, they can search for the Photos app, click on it, and then click on the “Advanced options” link. In the Advanced options window, they can click on the “Reset” button to reset the app to its default settings. This process will remove all the app’s data, including settings and preferences, so users should be cautious when using this method.
After resetting the Photos app, users may need to reconfigure their settings and preferences. They can also try reinstalling the app from the Microsoft Store, which can help resolve any issues related to corrupted installation files. Additionally, users can try running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, which can automatically detect and fix problems with Windows Store apps, including the Photos app. By resetting the Photos app, users can potentially resolve crashing issues and improve the overall performance of the app on their Windows 10 device.
Can outdated graphics drivers cause the Photos app to crash on Windows 10?
Outdated graphics drivers can indeed cause the Photos app to crash on Windows 10. Graphics drivers play a crucial role in rendering images and videos, and outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues with the Photos app. When graphics drivers are outdated, they may not be able to handle the demands of the Photos app, resulting in crashes, freezes, or other performance issues. Furthermore, outdated graphics drivers can also cause other system problems, such as screen flickering, graphics glitches, and slow performance.
To update graphics drivers, users can go to the Device Manager, expand the “Display Adapters” section, right-click on the graphics driver, and select “Update driver.” They can then search for updates and follow the prompts to install the latest driver version. Alternatively, users can visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest graphics driver. It is essential to ensure that the graphics drivers are up-to-date, as this can help resolve crashing issues with the Photos app and improve overall system performance.
How do I clear cache and temporary files from the Photos app on Windows 10?
Clearing cache and temporary files from the Photos app on Windows 10 can help resolve crashing issues. To clear cache and temporary files, users can go to the File Explorer, navigate to the “C:\Users\
It is essential to note that clearing cache and temporary files will remove all the app’s data, including settings and preferences. Users should be cautious when using this method, as it may require them to reconfigure their settings and preferences. Furthermore, users should ensure that they are deleting the correct files and folders, as deleting system files or important data can cause system problems. By clearing cache and temporary files, users can potentially resolve crashing issues with the Photos app and improve its performance on their Windows 10 device.
Can malware or viruses cause the Photos app to crash on Windows 10?
Malware or viruses can indeed cause the Photos app to crash on Windows 10. Malicious software can infect system files, registry entries, and other critical components, leading to crashes, freezes, or other performance issues. When malware or viruses infect the system, they can cause the Photos app to malfunction, resulting in crashes, errors, or other problems. Furthermore, malware or viruses can also steal personal data, compromise system security, and cause other system problems.
To protect against malware and viruses, users should install and regularly update antivirus software. They should also avoid opening suspicious emails, attachments, or links, and avoid downloading software from untrusted sources. Additionally, users can use the Windows Defender tool to scan their system for malware and viruses. By protecting their system against malware and viruses, users can help prevent crashing issues with the Photos app and ensure the overall security and performance of their Windows 10 device.
How do I reinstall the Photos app on Windows 10?
Reinstalling the Photos app on Windows 10 can be a effective way to resolve crashing issues. To reinstall the app, users can go to the Settings app, click on “Apps” or “Applications,” and then select “Apps & features.” From the list of installed apps, they can search for the Photos app, click on it, and then click on the “Uninstall” button to remove the app. After uninstalling the app, users can go to the Microsoft Store, search for the Photos app, and click on the “Install” button to reinstall the app.
After reinstalling the Photos app, users may need to reconfigure their settings and preferences. They can also try resetting the app, clearing cache and temporary files, and updating graphics drivers to ensure the app functions correctly. Additionally, users can try running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, which can automatically detect and fix problems with Windows Store apps, including the Photos app. By reinstalling the Photos app, users can potentially resolve crashing issues and improve the overall performance of the app on their Windows 10 device.
Are there any alternative photo viewing apps available for Windows 10?
Yes, there are several alternative photo viewing apps available for Windows 10. Some popular alternatives include Google Photos, Adobe Lightroom, and IrfanView. These apps offer a range of features, including photo editing, organization, and sharing. Users can download and install these apps from the Microsoft Store or the app’s official website. Additionally, users can also try using the Windows File Explorer to view and manage their photos, which offers a simple and intuitive interface.
When choosing an alternative photo viewing app, users should consider their specific needs and preferences. For example, if they need advanced photo editing features, they may prefer Adobe Lightroom. If they need a simple and easy-to-use interface, they may prefer Google Photos. By exploring alternative photo viewing apps, users can find an app that meets their needs and provides a better experience than the built-in Photos app. Furthermore, using alternative apps can help users avoid crashing issues and other problems associated with the Photos app on Windows 10.