The Microsoft Photos app is the default image viewer and editor in Windows 11. Recently, Microsoft updated the app with several new features and improvements, including AI-powered editing tools, visual search, and Copilot integration. However, sometimes you may notice the Photos app fails to open and displays a “File System Error (-2147219196).” It not only prevents opening photos but also limits access to basic photo-editing and viewing capabilities. Well, this issue typically indicates issues with the app’s configuration, corrupted files, or system permissions. Whatever the reason, here are proven methods to fix the Microsoft Photos app not working on Windows 11 and resolve the file system error -2147219196.
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What Causes File System Error in Microsoft Photos?
The Photos app might not work or display File System Error due to various reasons, including outdated software, corrupted files, or conflicts with other programs.
- Corrupted app data: The Photos app’s cache or settings may be corrupted.
- Outdated app or Windows: An outdated version of the app or Windows 11 can cause compatibility issues.
- Corrupted system files: Missing or damaged system files can interfere with the app.
- Permission issues: Lack of proper permissions may prevent the app from accessing files.
- Conflicting updates: Recent Windows updates may disrupt the app’s functionality.
Restart the Microsoft Photos App
A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. It’s very helpful if the Photo App won’t open on your PC.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Locate Microsoft Photos under the Processes tab.
- Right-click it and select End task.
- Reopen the Photos app from the Start menu or try to open any image to check if the error persists.
Repair or Reset the Microsoft Photos App
Windows 11 offers a built-in feature to repair or reset apps. The repair option attempts to fix the app without affecting user data. The reset option reinstalls the app and removes any corrupted cache, configuration, or residual files that may be causing the error.
Note: Resetting the app clears its cache and settings, it won’t delete your photos.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps
- Search for Microsoft Photos, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.
- Click Repair and wait for the process to complete. Test the app.
- If the error persists, click Reset to clear the app’s data and try again.
This is the safest and fastest way to fix app-related problems on Windows 11.
Reinstall the Microsoft Photos App
If repairing and resetting do not work, the next step is to remove and reinstall the Photos app entirely using Windows PowerShell. This method completely removes the app and its underlying components, then reinstalls it fresh. It helps eliminate corruption in system registries or files associated with the app.
- Open PowerShell as an administrator (search for PowerShell in Win + S and select Run as administrator).
- Run the command Get-AppxPackage *Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage to uninstall the Photos app.
- Open the Microsoft Store, search for Microsoft Photos, and click Install.
- Launch the app and check if the error is resolved.
Install Pending Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently rolls out patches that fix app bugs and stability issues. Installing the latest Windows updates ensures your OS and apps stay compatible and bug-free.
To update Windows 11:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
To update the Microsoft Photos App:
- Open the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu.
- Click download on the bottom left, then select Check for updates
- If an update for the Photos app is available, it will download and install it.
- Restart the app and test if it works.
Check and Repair System Files
Again, Corrupted system files can cause the file system error -2147219196. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to scan and replace missing or corrupted system files and repair the system image.
- Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- First, run the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command and then sfc /scannow.
DISM repairs Windows images by checking the entire system against a clean copy and replacing corrupted files, while SFC checks individual system files against a known good version stored in the Windows File Protection (WFP) cache.
Let the scanning complete 100% and reboot your PC, check if the Photos app opens without any errors.
Create a New User Profile (Test Environment)
Sometimes a corrupt user profile is the reason why some apps not open, including the Photos app in Windows 11. Creating a new user Profile loads with default settings and clean registry entries, avoid any user-specific corruption from your main account.
- Click the Start button, then click the Settings (gear) icon.
- Click “Accounts” on the left-hand menu, then select Other users
- Click “Add account.” Select “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”.
- Choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.
- Provide the desired username, password (and password hint).
- Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Log in with the new account and test the Photos app.
Again, the error may occur if the Photos app lacks permission to access your photo files.
- Right-click the folder containing your photos (e.g., Pictures) and select Properties.
- Go to the Security tab and ensure your user account has Full control.
- If not, click Edit, grant Full control, and click OK.
- Try opening the photos with the Microsoft Photos app again.
Use an Alternative Photo Viewer
If the Photos app still doesn’t work, consider using an alternative image viewer such as:
- ImageGlass
- IrfanView
- Photos Legacy (by Microsoft)
These apps are fast, lightweight, and capable of handling most image formats.
