How to fix Windows Photo Viewer missing in Windows 10

Windows Photo Viewer may still be available but disabled; check by right-clicking an image file, selecting "Open with," and looking for it in the app list, setting it as default if visible. 2. If not visible, re-enable it via Registry Editor by navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociations and setting each image extension’s Value data to PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff. 3. Alternatively, create a .REG file with the necessary registry entries to automate the process, saving time and ensuring correct configuration. 4. If registry edits fail or are restricted, use a third-party viewer like IrfanView, XnView MP, or FastStone Image Viewer for a reliable, lightweight alternative. Note that Microsoft is phasing out Windows Photo Viewer in newer updates, so these methods may not work permanently, but the registry fix remains the most effective workaround when allowed.

Windows Photo Viewer is no longer the default image viewer in Windows 10, and Microsoft has gradually phased it out in favor of the newer "Photos" app. However, many users still prefer the classic Windows Photo Viewer for its simplicity and speed. If you’ve noticed that it’s missing or can’t open images with it, here’s how to bring it back.

1. Check if Windows Photo Viewer is Still Available

Even though it’s not visible in the default app list, Windows Photo Viewer may still be present in the system but disabled. You can try setting it as the default for certain image formats:

• Right-click any image file (like a .jpg or .png) → Open with → Choose another app
• In the list, look for Windows Photo Viewer
• If it appears, select it and check "Always use this app to open .jpg files" (or the relevant format)
• Click OK

⚠️ Note: In newer versions of Windows 10 (especially after major updates), Windows Photo Viewer may not appear in this list at all.

2. Re-enable Windows Photo Viewer via Registry Editor

If it’s not showing up, you can manually re-enable it using the Registry. This method works in most Windows 10 versions.

Steps:

1. Press Win R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociations
3. In the right pane, you’ll see a list of file types (like .jpg, .png, .bmp, etc.)
4. Right-click each image extension you want to associate → Modify
5. Set the Value data to:
   PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff

   Yes, even for .jpg or .png — this is correct

   

6. Repeat for other formats (.png, .bmp, .gif, etc.)

After this, go back to Open with and you should now see Windows Photo Viewer as an option.

✅ Tip: Create a system restore point before editing the registry, just in case.

3. Use a .REG File to Automate the Fix

To save time, you can create a registry script that does the above automatically.

How:

1. Open Notepad
2. Paste the following:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Photo Viewer\Capabilities\FileAssociations]
".bmp"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"
".gif"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"
".jpg"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"
".jpeg"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"
".png"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"
".tif"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"
".tiff"="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff"

3. Save the file as EnablePhotoViewer.reg (make sure Save as type is set to "All Files")
4. Double-click the .reg file and confirm the changes

Now try opening an image — Windows Photo Viewer should appear as an option.

4. Alternative: Use a Third-Party Image Viewer

If the above doesn’t work or you want a more modern yet lightweight option, consider switching to a reliable third-party viewer:

• IrfanView – Fast, supports many formats, customizable
• XnView MP – Organizes and views images efficiently
• FastStone Image Viewer – Lightweight with good zoom and browse features

These don’t replace the Photos app system-wide but give you a better experience than being stuck without any viewer.

Final Notes

• Microsoft is slowly removing Windows Photo Viewer from newer Windows 10/11 builds, so these fixes may stop working after future updates.
• The registry method is safe if done correctly, but always back up your registry first.
• If you're on a work or school PC, group policies might block these changes.

Basically, if you miss the old viewer, the registry tweak is your best bet — it’s not official, but it works.

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