In Windows 7 and previous versions, Windows Photo Viewer was the default app to open and view pictures on Windows computers.
With Windows 8, Microsoft introduced the Photos app to replace the classic Windows Photo Viewer. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Photos app is the default image viewer.
The Photos app is not merely an app to open picture file types. Instead, it can also edit your images and even has options to import photos from other devices such as your smartphone and camera.
Since the Microsoft Photos app is the default picture viewer, it’s installed by default along with other inbox apps such as Calculator, Camera, and Notepad. You should be able to launch Photos via search.
If, for some reason, the Photos app is missing from your Windows 10/11 computer, you can install it from the Microsoft Store.
Steps to install the Photos app in Windows 11
This guide shows you how to install the Microsoft Photos app in Windows 10/11.
Step 1: In the Start or taskbar search field, type Store and then press the Enter key to open the Microsoft Store app.
Step 2: Once the Store app is launched, type Microsoft Photos in its search box and then press the Enter key to see the search results.
Step 3: Click on the Microsoft Photos entry to open its page. Please note that there are dozens of apps available with Photos in their names. Hence, be sure to click only on Microsoft Photos.
Step 4: Click the Install button to download and install the Photos app.
Step 5: Once installed, you can launch the Photos app via Windows 10/11 search. Alternatively, right-click on an image file, click Open with, and then click the Photos entry to open the selected picture with the Photos app.
Can we download the Microsoft Photos app?
Yes, Microsoft has been offering the official Photos app via the Microsoft Store for a long time. So, users can download and install it from the Store.
What is the best alternative to the Photos app on Windows 10/11 PC?
The Photos app has evolved over the years to become one of the best image viewers available for Windows. Between, if you are not happy with the Photos app for whatever reason, you can try out the fantastic ImageGlass (free) app or the classic Windows Photo Viewer.
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