Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Have you tried to open a JPG file, but suddenly there is no success? This article is for you!

Here, you will find out the best, simple, and practical ways to fix the inability to open JPG files in Windows 10 or other versions. Each of the enlisted methods can be your solution.

Are you ready? Let’s read!

Method 1. Roll back to default setting Photo app

This method is the first because it helps a lot of users who, due to some reasons, can't open a JPG file.

So do the following:

Go to Settings. There, select the Applications tab, then click Applications and Features. Find and select advanced options. Now, you need to select the left mouse button "Reset." This will start the process of resetting all the default settings.

Restart the computer and check if the JPG opens.

If you still can't open JPG files on Windows 10, proceed to the next method.

Method 2. Make Photo app as the default program to open JPG files

Let’s take Photo apps, for example, as the default program (you can use any other, like Photo Viewer or Office Picture Manager).

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

If your Windows PC cannot open JPG files, figure out the tested solutions in this tutorial to quickly regain access to your JPG images. Let's start.

Why Are JPG Files Not Opening

If the Windows Photo Viewer says that we cannot open JPG files, the possible reasons are as follows:

  • Windows Photo Viewer doesn't support the file format.
  • The Photo Viewer is not the latest version.
  • The JPG file is too large.
  • The JPG file appears to be corrupted or damaged.
  • Windows Photo Viewer application is corrupted.
  • The file system of the hard drive is broken.

If you are unable to open JPG files on Windows, try out the following ways that could fix the issue.

Method 1. Change JPG File Format

If you get a clear error saying you cannot open the JPG image because the format is not supported, the solution is to convert the file type.  

You can rename the picture or use a reliable file converter or an image editor to change the file format. But before you try this method, copy the original file to a different place for backup.

Go on with the next method if the extension change fails.

Method 2. Reduce JPG Image Size

If your JPG photos are of high quality and high definition, they will be large in size. Then, the Windows Photos application cannot open these large JPG files on a computer. To solve the problem, you can use an image editor, such as the Windows default tool, Paint, to reduce the JPG file size.

Method 3. Try a Different Photo Viewer to Open JPG Files

If the Windows Photo Viewer still cannot open JPG files after changing the file extension and size, try to open the images with another photo viewing program. You can download a reliable third-party photo viewer or editor such as PhotoShop to open the JPG files.

Method 4. Repair Corrupted JPG Files with File Repair Tool

One of the main reasons the Photo Viewer cannot open JPG files is that they are corrupted. In this situation, a professional file repair tool works best. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard integrates file recovery and repair features to help users to fix corrupted files easily and efficiently.

  • Repair damaged photos in JPG, JPEG, PNG, and BMP types
  • Recover corrupted Excel files in XLSX/XLS formats
  • Repair single or multiple Word documents without quantity limit
  • Fix corrupted PDF documents efficiently
  • Repair damaged MP4, MOV, and GIF videos
  • Real-time preview of repaired files

Free download this file recovery tool to fix the corrupted JPG files and reopen them successfully.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS data recovery software. Select a hard drive that contains broken photos files and click "Scan". 

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Step 2. Select "Pictures" to find your corrupted phots that can be in a variety of formats, JPEG, JPG, PNG, BMP, and more. Or, you can click "Search files or folders" in the upper right corner to search for files. 

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Step 3. Double-click on a damaged picture to repair and preview the file. Then, click "Recover" to save images to a different location.

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Except for file repair, EaseUS data recovery software also has a good reputation in data recovery. It can simply recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10 with advanced algorithm technology. Other outstanding functions are formatted recovery, RAW recovery, lost partition recovery, OS crash recovery, virus attack recovery, and more.

Method 5. Update the Microsoft Photos to the Latest Version

The Windows Photo Viewer cannot open JPG files when it is outdated. The old version might have many issues, including file capability problem. Updating Windows Photo Viewer should solve the JPG not opening error.

Steps to update Photos app on Windows 10/11:

Step 1. Go to "Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update".

Step 2. Click "Check for updates".

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Step 3. Check the Photo Viewer box and click "Install Updates".

Step 4. Restart your computer and check if you can open the JPG files.

Method 6. Repair the Microsoft Photos Apps 

When the Windows Photos app is corrupted or has a problem, it may stop working properly, including not opening JPG files. In this case, you should repair the app. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Click "Apps > Apps & features".

Step 3. Scroll down and select Microsoft Photos. Click it and choose "Advanced options".

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Step 4. Scroll down and click "Repair".

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

Method 7. Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupt system files might prevent your computer from opening JPG files. To repair corrupted system files, you can use the SFC (System File Checker) of Windows to scan and replace any corrupted files on your computer.

Step 1. Click the Search box and type CMD.

Step 2. Choose Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 3. On the Command Prompt window, type sfc/scannow and press Enter.

Windows Photo Viewer can t open JPG files

If the SFC scans and verifies that the protected system file has been corrupted or damaged, it will repair and replace it with the correct copy. After the process, restart your computer and check if the Windows Photo Viewer can open your JPG files.

Conclusion

Windows Photos Viewer cannot open JPEG files is not a new problem for us. Don't fret when the issue occurs. Try the above ways to troubleshoot. If the JPG not opening problem is caused by corrupted images, use EaseUS file recovery tool to fix and restore JPG files efficiently

Why won't Windows open a JPG?

Update the Microsoft Photos App On a Windows computer, Microsoft Photos is the default app for opening JPG files. If the app is outdated or corrupt, it will lead to any sorts of issues, and the inability to open JPG files could be one of them. Updating Windows Photos should fix any bugs, errors, or technical glitches.

Why can't I view my JPG files?

If a JPEG file is not opening on your computer, the problem could be with Windows or the photo viewer program or your JPEG file may be damaged. So try the below methods that can fix such issues: Rename the JPEG file. Update Windows 10 Photo Viewer.

Why won't my JPEG images won't open?

Cause 1: JPEG file got corrupted If not properly saved or due to some errors or bugs that appear while the image was being saved, a JPEG file can get corrupt. This can also be caused due to viruses in your system that can damage the files and make it useless.