Setting Windows Photo Viewer as the default photo viewer in Windows 10 can offer several advantages, especially if you prefer its simplicity and speed over the newer Photos app. Windows Photo Viewer is a lightweight application that loads images quickly and provides a straightforward viewing experience. By making it your default, you can enjoy faster access to images and a more familiar interface if you used it in earlier Windows versions.
Another key benefit is improved compatibility. Some older image formats or specific image files may open better with Windows Photo Viewer, which has long-standing support for common formats like JPEG, PNG, BMP, and TIFF. If you encounter issues with the Photos app crashing or not displaying certain images correctly, switching to Windows Photo Viewer can resolve these problems quickly.
Moreover, setting Windows Photo Viewer as default enhances user experience for those who prefer its minimal interface. It offers essential viewing features without the clutter of modern app options. This can be especially helpful when you want to quickly glance at your photos without waiting for loading screens or dealing with unnecessary tools. The familiar interface makes browsing through images easier for many users.
In addition, using Windows Photo Viewer helps conserve system resources. Since it is a lightweight program, it uses less memory and CPU power, which benefits users with older or less powerful computers. This can lead to a smoother overall experience, especially when viewing large collections of images.
Lastly, setting your preferred photo viewer ensures consistency in your workflow. If you regularly open images from shared folders, email attachments, or cloud storage, having Windows Photo Viewer as default can streamline your process. You won’t need to select a viewer each time, saving you time and hassle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Default Photo Viewer
If your current photo viewer is not meeting your needs, you may want to change the default photo viewer to Windows Photo Viewer or another application. This process involves adjusting your Windows settings or using other methods to set your preferred photo viewing program. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you switch your default photo viewer easily.
- Open Windows Settings
- Go to Apps and Default Apps
- Change the Default Photo Viewer
- If Windows Photo Viewer is not listed
- Set default photo viewer for specific file types
- Using “Open With” to set default for individual files
- Troubleshooting and additional tips
Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings. Alternatively, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. This opens the Settings window where you can customize various aspects of your system.
In the Settings window, click on “Apps” to access app-related options. Then, select “Default Apps” from the left sidebar. This section allows you to choose default programs for different file types and protocols.
Scroll down to find “Photo viewer.” You will see the current default app, possibly Photos. Click on it, and a list of available photo viewers will appear. If Windows Photo Viewer is listed, select it. If not, continue with the next steps to enable it or choose a different app.
Windows Photo Viewer may not appear in the list by default in Windows 10 and later. To enable it, you need to modify the registry or use third-party tools. Alternatively, you can set it manually for each file type.
Still in the Default Apps settings, scroll down and click on “Choose default apps by file type.” Here, you’ll see a list of file extensions like .jpg, .png, .bmp, etc. Click on the app next to each extension and select “Windows Photo Viewer” if available. If it isn’t listed, you may need to add it through advanced methods.
Right-click a photo file, select “Open with,” then “Choose another app.” From the list, pick Windows Photo Viewer. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .jpg files” or other specific formats. Click OK. This sets your preference for that file type.
If Windows Photo Viewer does not appear in the options, you may need to enable it via registry edits or third-party tools, especially in Windows 10 and 11. Also, remember that changing defaults for some file types may require admin permissions. Be cautious when modifying system settings.
By following these steps, you can easily set your preferred photo viewer on Windows. Whether you want the classic Windows Photo Viewer or another program, customizing defaults makes viewing your images more convenient and personalized.
