Several windows 10 users report they are not able to open JPG files. While trying to open .jpeg file, it popup the error message “package could not be registered.” The error occurs with every image, while few others report certain files only trigger this issue. The reason for this problem may be the installation of the Microsoft Photos app being corrupt, the System File supporting the application being corrupt and more. If you are dealing with the same issue, the following fixes may help fix this error “Package could not be registered” on Windows 10.

Package could not be registered

Let’s first restart your computer and try to open the JPG image files. This should fix if temporary glitch causing the issue.

Right-click on the image file (.jpg, .jpeg or .png) and select edit, check if the file opens on mspaint without any error. If not then might there is a problem with the image file itself may it’s corrupted or not downloaded correctly.

Install latest Windows updates that probably have the bug fix for this problem.

  • Press Windows key + X and select settings,
  • Click on update & security the windows update
  • Hit the check for updates button to allow download and install windows updates from the Microsoft server
  • Once done reboot your PC to apply them and check the status of this error “package could not be registered”.

Run system file checker utility

The most common reason for this error “package could not be registered” is corrupted system files. Run the built-in system file checker utility that helps detect and restore corrupt or missing system files with the correct one.

  • Type cmd on start menu search, From search results, right-click on command prompt and select run as administrator,
  • Next type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter
  • This will start scanning the system for corrupted or missing files, if found any the sfc utility automatically restore them with correct ones.
  • It might take several minutes for the program to run completely once done reboot your PC and check the status of the error package could not be registered.

system file checker

Set Photos app as default

If the photos app is not set default, that might trigger package could not be registered while open images on windows 10.

  • Locate any image file, right-click on it select Properties.
  • Move to the General tab and click on Change.
  • Select Photos from the list of App shown.
  • Click OK then click Apply then OK.
  • Now try to open an image file and check the status of the error.

Set Photo app as default

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Run the build-in store app troubleshooter that automatically detect and fix the photos app problems for you.

  • Press Windows key + I to open the Settings window,
  • Navigate to the Update & Security > Troubleshoot then click the additional troubleshooter link,
  • Scroll down to locate Windows Store Apps, select it and click on the Run the troubleshooter button,
  • Then this utility will start detecting problems. If any problems are found and fixed, you will be informed.

Microsoft store app troubleshooter

Reset the Photos app

Try reset the Microsoft photos app to its default settings following the steps below. That probably helps fix different problems with the photos app on windows 10.

  • Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
  • Click on  Apps then choose Apps & features.
  • Scroll down and Locate the Photos app in the list.
  • Click on the Advanced options link

Microsoft photos advanced options

  • A new windows open with the option to Reset the photos app,
  • Click on reset then again click reset when ask for confirmation
  • This will reset the app to its factory settings Restart your PC and check if the problem resolved.

Reset Microsoft photos app

Uninstall & Reinstall the Photos app

Still, need help? try to reinstall the Microsoft photos app following the steps below.

  • Start PowerShell as administrator.
  • Type command Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Remove-AppxPackage and press enter key to remove the photos app,
  • Reboot your PC to completely remove the app from your computer,
  • Now run the following command on PowerShell (admin) to reinstall the photos app again. Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Alternately open the Microsoft app store to download and install the Microsoft photos app on your computer.

Download photos app on Microsoft store

Did these solutions help fix the package could not be registered windows 10? Let us know on the comments below.

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Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.