How to Open Photos in Windows 10 and Windows 11: 10 Easy Methods

The Photos app in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is designed to provide a seamless experience for viewing, browsing, and organizing your digital images. This application not only facilitates basic editing but also allows you to create montages. Knowing how to efficiently access the Photos app is crucial for maximizing your experience. Below, we've outlined 10 different methods to open the Photos app in both operating systems.

Table of Contents

  1. 1. Open Photos Using Search
  2. 2. Access Photos from the Start Menu All Apps List
  3. 3. Start Photos from a Desktop Shortcut
  4. 4. Open Photos from the Taskbar
  5. 5. Access Photos from the Pinned Shortcut in the Start Menu
  6. 6. Use Cortana to Open Photos
  7. 7. Start Photos from File Explorer
  8. 8. Open Photos Using the Run Window
  9. 9. Use Task Manager to Open Photos
  10. 10. Open Photos from Windows Terminal, CMD, or PowerShell
  11. How Do You Prefer to Open the Photos App?

1. Open Photos Using Search

The Search functionality in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offers a quick and reliable way to access apps. Simply type photos into the search box and click on the Photos app icon or select Open in the right pane.

Open Photos using Search in Windows

2. Access Photos from the Start Menu All Apps List

The Start Menu on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 features an alphabetically ordered list of installed applications. In Windows 10, simply navigate to All apps, scroll down to the letter P, and click on the Photos shortcut.

Access Photos from Start Menu

In Windows 11, you’ll need to click on All apps first to see the application list.

Access All apps in Windows 11

3. Start Photos from a Desktop Shortcut

If you prefer quick access, you can create a desktop shortcut for the Photos app. For detailed instructions on creating shortcuts, refer to our guide on creating shortcuts in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Desktop shortcut for Photos

4. Open Photos from the Taskbar

Pinning the Photos app to your taskbar allows for immediate access. For instructions on pinning apps, check our guides for Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Photos shortcut on Taskbar

5. Access Photos from the Pinned Shortcut in the Start Menu

The Photos app comes with a default tile in Windows 10, which you can click to open. If it’s missing, follow our guide on pinning items to the Start Menu.

Pinned Tile for Photos

In Windows 11, these tiles are replaced with Pinned shortcuts, offering a similar functionality.

Photos shortcut in Windows 11

6. Use Cortana to Open Photos

If you prefer voice commands, you can ask Cortana to open the Photos app for you. Simply say, “Open Photos” and Cortana will respond by confirming the command before launching the app.

Cortana opening Photos

7. Start Photos from File Explorer

To open the Photos app via File Explorer, click on the address bar and type ms-photos:. Press Enter to launch the app.

Open Photos from File Explorer

8. Open Photos Using the Run Window

Another fast method is utilizing the Run window. Launch it by pressing Win + R, enter ms-photos:, and click OK.

Open Photos from Run Window

9. Use Task Manager to Open Photos

You can also access the Photos app via Task Manager. Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc, click File > Run new task, type in ms-photos:, then hit Enter.

Open Photos from Task Manager

10. Open Photos from Windows Terminal, CMD, or PowerShell

If you're comfortable with command-line interfaces, type start ms-photos: in Windows Terminal, CMD, or PowerShell to launch the app instantly.

Open Photos from Terminal

How Do You Prefer to Open the Photos App?

These 10 options present a variety of methods to access the Photos app in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Explore each method and let us know which one is your favorite. If you have additional methods or suggestions, please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

7 Comments

  1. Mike Johnson -

    I used to struggle with opening photos directly. Your article made things so much easier! Appreciate it!

  2. ChloePaw -

    I just wanted to say thanks! You saved me a lot of frustration, especially with the new updates

  3. Johnny V. -

    I think I’ll try the “drag and drop” method more often. Seems like a time-saver

  4. Lucas Scott -

    Hey, can you do a similar article for opening files in other programs? That would be super useful

  5. Hannah Joy -

    This article makes me feel so much more empowered! Thank you for sharing these methods

  6. Emily Chen -

    I love the layout of this article! Easy to read and follow.

  7. Eric P. -

    Can you write an article on managing photos after you’ve opened them? That would be helpful!

Leave a Comment

Instructions for creating green ticks for Facebook

Instructions for creating green ticks for Facebook

Step-by-step guide on how to create a green tick for Facebook. Learn how to verify your account and gain credibility with the green verification mark.

How to download Torrent files on Mozilla Firefox

How to download Torrent files on Mozilla Firefox

Learn how to download torrent files directly using the Firefox web browser with the Torrent Tornado add-on. Simple steps for effective torrent downloading.

How To View Someone Else’s TikTok Followers

How To View Someone Else’s TikTok Followers

Learn how to view someone else’s TikTok followers, both on public and private accounts. Discover effective methods to access follower counts and improve your TikTok strategy.

Instructions to login to Facebook by Email

Instructions to login to Facebook by Email

Learn how to login to Facebook using your email, phone number, or even QR Code authentication without entering a password.

How To Stop An Echo In Parsec

How To Stop An Echo In Parsec

Learn how to stop echo during your Parsec streaming sessions with effective solutions. Echo is a common issue that disrupts communication in games, and we provide proven methods to eliminate it.

How to change your avatar and cover photo Zalo

How to change your avatar and cover photo Zalo

Discover how to change your avatar and cover photo on Zalo to express your personality. Follow our easy guide and optimize your Zalo profile image.

How to mark close friends on Zalo

How to mark close friends on Zalo

Learn how to manage your relationships on Zalo by marking close friends, similar to Instagram. This feature allows easy access to frequently contacted individuals.

Send screenshots super fast via Viber on Windows

Send screenshots super fast via Viber on Windows

Learn how to send screenshots via Viber quickly and without saving them. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to enhance your messaging experience.

Instructions to restore deleted messages on Zalo

Instructions to restore deleted messages on Zalo

Learn how to easily restore deleted messages on Zalo with our step-by-step instructions. Quickly recover your important chats on this popular messaging app.

Instructions to install background music for your personal page on Zalo

Instructions to install background music for your personal page on Zalo

Discover how to easily add background music to your personal Zalo page with our comprehensive guide on using Zalo for Android and iOS devices.

How To Find The Last Raider In Minecraft

How To Find The Last Raider In Minecraft

If you’ve ever found yourself at the end of a Minecraft raid, searching for the last raider to eliminate, you’re not alone. Many players have faced this challenge.

How to completely remove Coc Coc browser on your computer

How to completely remove Coc Coc browser on your computer

Learn how to uninstall Coc Coc browser completely from your computer, ensuring all data is removed. Follow these simple steps for an effective uninstallation.

How to use the Toshiba AW-A800SV washing machine control panel

How to use the Toshiba AW-A800SV washing machine control panel

Discover how to effectively use the Toshiba AW-A800SV washing machine control panel with our detailed guide!

How to use the emergency feature on Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches

How to use the emergency feature on Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches

Discover how to effectively use emergency features on Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches, including SOS alerts, fall detection, and health records.

Share personal QR code on Zalo

Share personal QR code on Zalo

Discover how to effectively <strong>share QR code on Zalo</strong>. QR codes enhance connectivity, enabling easy friend requests and more on Zalo.