Windows 11 users encountered frustrating issues with the built-in Photos app following a recent Windows update. Reports surfaced of users unable to launch the app altogether or encountering errors such as a persistent spinning circle followed by an “Access Denied error on Process Exit.” Here’s how you can resolve these issues with some temporary workarounds until Microsoft provides a permanent fix.
Understanding the Problem
The problems began after a Windows update affected the functionality of the Photos app on systems running Windows 11 22H2 and Windows 23H2. Users have reported difficulties ranging from app launch failures to specific error messages disrupting normal usage.
Temporary Workaround Steps
- Reset the Photos App:
- Sometimes, resetting the app can resolve minor glitches. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Find and select Photos from the list.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset.
- Sometimes, resetting the app can resolve minor glitches. Here’s how:
- Reinstall the Photos App:
- If resetting doesn’t work, you can reinstall the Photos app to potentially fix deeper issues:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Type or copy-paste the command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} - Press Enter to execute the command.
- Restart your computer and check if the Photos app works.
- If resetting doesn’t work, you can reinstall the Photos app to potentially fix deeper issues:
- Check for Windows Updates:
- Microsoft is actively working on a permanent fix. Make sure your system is up to date with the latest patches and updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Use an Alternative Photo Viewer:
- While waiting for a fix, consider using alternative photo viewer apps available on the Microsoft Store or third-party options that offer similar functionalities.
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and assured users that they are investigating it. They have provided the above workarounds to mitigate the problem temporarily. For ongoing updates and the latest information, users are advised to monitor Microsoft’s official support channels or the Windows Update page.
Conclusion
While the recent Windows update caused disruptions to the Photos app on Windows 11, Microsoft is actively working on a solution. In the meantime, users can try the provided workarounds to restore functionality or explore alternative apps. Stay tuned for further updates from Microsoft regarding a permanent fix.
By following these steps, users can hopefully resolve the Windows 11 Photos app issues and continue enjoying seamless photo viewing and editing experiences on their devices.
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