If the Microsoft Photos app is missing or damaged in Windows 10, try repairing or resetting it before reinstalling it. Reinstallation is useful when the application package itself is the problem, but it will not repair damaged photo files.
Try Repair or Reset first
Open Settings, find Microsoft Photos under installed apps, and open its advanced options when available. Try Repair first because it is the less disruptive choice. If that does not work, Reset can rebuild the app’s local configuration.
Reinstall Photos from a trusted source
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Microsoft’s current Photos application.
- Confirm that Microsoft is the publisher.
- Install or reinstall the application.
- Open an image and test normal viewing and editing.
If Photos is already installed
A Store update may fix the problem without removing the app. Check the Store’s library/update area and Windows Update before using more aggressive repair methods.
Avoid old PowerShell removal commands unless necessary
Older tutorials often use package-removal commands to forcibly uninstall built-in apps. Package names and Windows app delivery change over time, and broad commands can remove more than intended. Supported Settings and Store controls are preferable.
Check the file association
If pictures open in the wrong application, Photos may be healthy and only the default-app association is wrong. Set the desired application for JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or other formats through Default Apps.
Windows 10 support status
For the Photos app, remember that Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft’s current Photos experience is primarily developed for supported Windows releases, so features and availability on Windows 10 can differ.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.