How to fix the error of not being able to open JPG files in Windows

If your Windows 10 or 11 PC refuses to open JPG files, there may be a number of issues at play, such as a corrupted file or a problem with your default photo viewer. Try these troubleshooting tips to fix the problem and view your JPG files again.

1. Eliminate problems with JPG files

PCs running Windows 10 or 11 may have trouble opening JPG files if the file name is too long or the file extension is incorrect. In such cases, rename the file to a shorter name and make sure the file has a ".jpg" extension to fix the problem.

Another thing you should do is check the size of the JPG file you are trying to open. If the file is too large, use a photo editor or web app to reduce the image file size and try again.

However, if you only have problems with a select few JPG files, it's possible that the file is corrupt. You can test this by opening another JPG file from the web to see if it works properly.

2. Update, repair, or reset the Photos app

On both Windows 10 and 11 PCs, Microsoft Photos is the default app for opening JPG files. So if this app is having issues, it may not be able to open any JPG files. To fix this, open the Microsoft Store and search for the Photos app. If there is a newer version of the app, click Update to install it.

Updating your app should fix problems caused by a faulty or outdated app build. However, if the problem persists, you can use Windows' built-in app repair feature to fix problems with your app. Here's how:

1. Right-click the Start menu icon on the taskbar and select Installed app .
2. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the Photos app.
3. Click the three-dot menu next to the app and select Advanced options .
4. Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair button.

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You will see a check mark next to the Repair button once the process is complete. If you are unable to open the JPG file even after this, consider resetting the app from the same menu. Doing so will clear all of the app's data, effectively fixing issues caused by corrupted data.

3. Open JPG file with another application

Another thing you can do is try opening the JPG file in a different photo viewing app. There are many great alternatives to the Photos app. Download and install any reliable photo viewing app you like. Once installed, right-click the JPG file and select Open with > [Photo Viewer App] .

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If this resolves the issue, you can set the new app as the default photo viewer on your Windows computer. If you need help with that, see our guide on how to change the default app on Windows.

4. Run SFC scan

Corrupt or missing system files on your Windows PC can also cause such problems. Fortunately, Windows includes a useful tool called SFC (System File Checker) that can automatically scan your system for corrupt files and replace them with cached versions. Here's how to run the tool.

1. Press Win + S to open the search menu.
2. Type cmd into the box and select Run as administrator .
3. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
4. Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.

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Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your PC. You should then be able to open JPG files as expected.

Having trouble opening a simple photo on your Windows computer can be frustrating. Hopefully one or more of the solutions listed above worked for you and you should now be able to open JPG files on your PC without any problems.

Samuel Daniel

Update 09 December 2024