One of our clients had a user with a weird issue today – whenever they tried to open a photo, they’d get the following error:
When looking at the PC, they had all image formats set to use the built-in Windows 10 Photos application. If you try to open the application separately, you get the exact same error – so obviously the application was broken somehow.
After a little research, I discovered other users with the same issue – and of course, many of the suggested solutions were ridiculous (sfc /scannow – seriously?!).
As it turns out, there’s actually quite a simple fix – and it’s built into Windows.
- Navigate to Start – Settings – System – Apps & Features
- Scroll down to ‘Photos’ and click on it
- Click ‘Advanced Options’
- Click ‘Reset’
Give it a minute or so, then try it again – it should now work!
As an aside, you can do this with any of the Windows 10 Universal Applications!