Windows Photo Viewer, a classic image viewing application, was a staple in the Windows operating system for many years. It was simple, intuitive, and got the job done. However, with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft decided to replace it with the Photos app, which, although feature-rich, left many users yearning for the simplicity of the old Windows Photo Viewer. In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of installing Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10 and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
What Happened to Windows Photo Viewer?
Windows Photo Viewer was first introduced in Windows XP and was the default image viewing application until Windows 8.1. It was a lightweight, easy-to-use app that allowed users to view, print, and manage their digital photos. However, with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft decided to discontinue Windows Photo Viewer and replace it with the Photos app.
The Photos app, although feature-rich, was met with criticism from users who preferred the simplicity of Windows Photo Viewer. The Photos app is more than just an image viewer; it’s a full-fledged photo management and editing application that includes features like automatic photo tagging, geotagging, and sharing. While these features are useful, they also make the app more complex and resource-intensive.
Why Do Users Want to Install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10?
So, why do users want to install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10? There are several reasons:
- Simplicity: Windows Photo Viewer is a simple, lightweight app that gets the job done. It’s easy to use and doesn’t include unnecessary features that can slow down your computer.
- Familiarity: Many users are familiar with Windows Photo Viewer and prefer its interface and functionality over the Photos app.
- Performance: Windows Photo Viewer is more efficient and uses fewer system resources than the Photos app, making it a better choice for users with lower-end hardware.
Can I Install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10?
The good news is that yes, you can install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10. However, it’s not as straightforward as installing a new app from the Microsoft Store. Windows Photo Viewer is a built-in application that’s still included in Windows 10, but it’s not enabled by default.
To install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10, you’ll need to enable it through the Windows Registry or by using a third-party tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Method 1: Enable Windows Photo Viewer through the Windows Registry
To enable Windows Photo Viewer through the Windows Registry, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\photoviewer.dll
- Create a new key called “shell” and then create a new key called “open” inside the “shell” key.
- Create a new string value called “command” and set its value to “rundll32.exe “C:\Program Files\Windows Photo Viewer\PhotoViewer.dll”, ImageView_Fullscreen”
- Close the Windows Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Tool to Enable Windows Photo Viewer
If you’re not comfortable editing the Windows Registry, you can use a third-party tool to enable Windows Photo Viewer. There are several tools available online that can enable Windows Photo Viewer with just a few clicks.
One popular tool is the “Activate Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10” tool. This tool is free to download and use, and it’s available from the developer’s website.
To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Download the tool from the developer’s website.
- Run the tool and follow the prompts to enable Windows Photo Viewer.
- Restart your computer to complete the installation.
How to Set Windows Photo Viewer as the Default Image Viewer
Once you’ve enabled Windows Photo Viewer, you’ll need to set it as the default image viewer. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and click on “System.”
- Click on “Default apps” and then click on “Photo viewer.”
- Select “Windows Photo Viewer” from the list of available apps.
Alternatively, you can also set Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer by right-clicking on an image file and selecting “Open with” > “Choose another app.” Then, select “Windows Photo Viewer” from the list of available apps and check the box next to “Always use this app to open .jpg files.”
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while enabling or using Windows Photo Viewer, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Windows Photo Viewer is not showing up in the Default apps list: Make sure that you’ve enabled Windows Photo Viewer correctly and that you’ve restarted your computer.
- Windows Photo Viewer is not opening images: Check that you’ve set Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer and that the app is not blocked by your antivirus software.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Windows Photo Viewer is not enabled by default in Windows 10, it’s still possible to install and use it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable Windows Photo Viewer and set it as the default image viewer on your Windows 10 computer.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of Windows Photo Viewer or just want to use a familiar app, enabling Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10 is a great way to customize your computing experience. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might just find that it’s the perfect solution for your image viewing needs.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Using Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 11: The process of enabling Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 11 is similar to the process on Windows 10. However, you may need to use a different registry key or third-party tool.
- Enabling Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 8.1: If you’re still using Windows 8.1, you can enable Windows Photo Viewer by following the same steps outlined in this article.
- Using alternative image viewers: If you’re not satisfied with Windows Photo Viewer or the Photos app, there are many alternative image viewers available for Windows 10. Some popular options include IrfanView, XnView, and FastStone Image Viewer.
What is Windows Photo Viewer and why is it not available in Windows 10?
Windows Photo Viewer is a classic image viewing application that was included in Windows operating systems from Windows XP to Windows 7. It was a simple and lightweight application that allowed users to view and manage their digital photos. However, with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft replaced Windows Photo Viewer with the Photos app, which offers more features and functionality.
Although the Photos app is more powerful, many users still prefer the simplicity and familiarity of Windows Photo Viewer. Unfortunately, Windows Photo Viewer is not available in Windows 10 by default, and users need to take extra steps to install and activate it.
Can I install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10?
Yes, you can install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10. Although it is not available in the Microsoft Store or the Control Panel, you can activate it by making some changes to the Windows Registry. This process requires some technical knowledge and caution, as modifying the Registry can potentially cause system instability.
To install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10, you need to create a new Registry key and set its value to activate the application. You can do this manually by editing the Registry or by using a third-party tool that simplifies the process. Once you have activated Windows Photo Viewer, you can use it to view and manage your digital photos.
How do I activate Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10?
To activate Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10, you need to create a new Registry key called “PhotoViewer” in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Settings key. You can do this by opening the Registry Editor, navigating to the key, and creating a new DWORD value called “PhotoViewer”.
Once you have created the new key and value, you need to set its value to 1 to activate Windows Photo Viewer. You can do this by double-clicking on the value and entering 1 in the Value data field. After you have activated Windows Photo Viewer, you can use it to view and manage your digital photos.
Is it safe to install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10?
Installing Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10 is generally safe, but it requires some caution. Modifying the Windows Registry can potentially cause system instability or conflicts with other applications. Therefore, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully and make a backup of your system before making any changes.
Additionally, you should be aware that Windows Photo Viewer is an older application that may not be compatible with all file formats or hardware configurations. However, for most users, installing Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10 is a safe and straightforward process that can be completed without any issues.
Can I use Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer on Windows 10?
Yes, you can use Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer on Windows 10. Once you have activated Windows Photo Viewer, you can set it as the default application for viewing images. To do this, you need to open the Settings app, go to the Apps section, and click on the “Default apps” option.
In the Default apps window, you can select Windows Photo Viewer as the default application for viewing images. You can also set it as the default application for specific file formats, such as JPEG or PNG. Once you have set Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer, it will be used to open images by default.
Are there any alternatives to Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 10. The Photos app is the default image viewer on Windows 10, and it offers more features and functionality than Windows Photo Viewer. Additionally, there are many third-party image viewers available for Windows 10, such as IrfanView, XnView, and FastStone Image Viewer.
These alternatives offer a range of features and functionality, including support for multiple file formats, image editing tools, and slideshow capabilities. Some of these alternatives are free, while others require a license or subscription. If you are looking for a more powerful image viewer than Windows Photo Viewer, you may want to consider one of these alternatives.
Can I uninstall Windows Photo Viewer from Windows 10?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows Photo Viewer from Windows 10. If you have activated Windows Photo Viewer and no longer want to use it, you can uninstall it by deleting the Registry key that you created to activate it. To do this, you need to open the Registry Editor, navigate to the key, and delete it.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool to uninstall Windows Photo Viewer. Some tools can simplify the process and ensure that all associated files and Registry entries are removed. Once you have uninstalled Windows Photo Viewer, you can use the Photos app or another image viewer as the default application for viewing images.