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 If there is a newer version of the app, click Update to install it.

Updating your app should fix problems caused by a faulty or outdated app build.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:

  • Right-click the Start menu icon on the taskbar and select Installed app .
  • Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the Photos app.
  • Click the three-dot menu next to the app and select Advanced options .
  • Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair button.
How to fix the error of not being able to open JPG files in Windows
Repair or reset the Photos app on Windows

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] .

How to fix the error of not being able to open JPG files in Windows
Open with menu in Windows 11

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.

  • Press Win + S to open the search menu.
  • Type cmd into the box and select Run as administrator .
  • Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
  • Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
How to fix the error of not being able to open JPG files in Windows
Run SFC scan on Windows

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.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

What to do when Copilot is not found on Windows 11?

What to do when Copilot is not found on Windows 11?

According to Microsoft, Copilot is the future of Windows. But what if you want to try it but can't find Copilot? The following article will show you some tricks if Copilot doesn't appear on your Windows 11.

Using Disk Defragmenter in Windows

Using Disk Defragmenter in Windows

Over time, the files on your hard drive become fragmented and your computer slows down because it has to check multiple locations on the drive. To help your computer run more efficiently, you can use the built-in tools in Windows to defragment those files.

This hidden score tells you how well your Windows computer runs

This hidden score tells you how well your Windows computer runs

If you're wondering how well your Windows PC is performing, run the Windows Experience Index (WEI).

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 With Broader Device Support and Big Changes

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 With Broader Device Support and Big Changes

Today, Microsoft officially launched another version of the Windows 11 operating system.

Top 5 Best Encryption Software 2025

Top 5 Best Encryption Software 2025

On your PC, a lot of your personal information can be accessed without permission. That's because Windows data is stored publicly on the drive and is not encrypted or protected by encryption software, so anyone can access your confidential and private information.

How to Install and Setup Android Studio in Windows

How to Install and Setup Android Studio in Windows

Android Studio is the official IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for Android app development and it is based on JetBrains' IntelliJ IDEA software. Android Studio offers many great features that help improve productivity when building Android apps.

Instructions for installing Windows 11, installing Windows 11 using ISO file

Instructions for installing Windows 11, installing Windows 11 using ISO file

Windows 11 is officially leaked and you can even install it right now.

How to enable or disable associated device names in Windows Share

How to enable or disable associated device names in Windows Share

Phone Link lets you access your mobile device from your PC instantly. And users have the option to enable or disable the display of linked device names in Windows Share.

How to Change Tab Color in Windows Terminal

How to Change Tab Color in Windows Terminal

Since Windows Terminal Preview version 1.23.10353.0, Microsoft has added color customization so you can change the color according to your needs.

How to open Control Panel on Windows 10, 8.1, 7

How to open Control Panel on Windows 10, 8.1, 7

Accessing the Control Panel will help you adjust many system settings, because the Control Panel in Windows is a collection of applets, which are like small programs, each of which is used to configure different aspects of the operating system.

How to set different wallpapers on each monitor Windows 10/11

How to set different wallpapers on each monitor Windows 10/11

Setting up multiple monitors on Windows is quite simple and only takes a few minutes to do. After setting up multi-monitor mode (multiple screens), you can set up separate wallpapers for each screen. To do this, please refer to the article below from WebTech360.

How to run multiple instances of a Windows program

How to run multiple instances of a Windows program

There are a number of ways you can run a different version of the same application. The following guide will explain which method is best for a particular type of program.

How to find and open files using Command Prompt

How to find and open files using Command Prompt

This is a method of searching and opening files that is said to be faster than using File Explorer.

Windows Mail is going away, what should I know?

Windows Mail is going away, what should I know?

After a long period of “living on the sidelines,” the Windows Mail, Calendar, and People apps are slowly approaching the end of their lifecycles. Microsoft recently updated its official documentation to clarify that the aforementioned apps will be completely retired on December 31, 2024.

Microsoft removes a barrier preventing users from updating to Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft removes a barrier preventing users from updating to Windows 11 24H2

Shortly after the official launch of Windows 11 version 24H2 last month, Microsoft acknowledged an unexpected issue with the Voicemeeter app.