How to Fix Photo Error Code 0x887A005 in Windows 11

With the arrival of Windows 11, Microsoft gave its built-in apps a fresh new look, and the Photos app is no exception. Now, it’s easier than ever to edit and share your media with an upgraded interface. But as great as this app is, some users have encountered an error, particularly when transferring videos—this error goes by the code 0x887A005. If you’ve run into this issue, don’t worry. Let’s explore what might be causing it and, more importantly, how to fix it.

What’s Behind Photo Error Code 0x887A005?

In most cases, this error is related to issues with Windows 11’s graphics drivers. But it’s not always that simple. Sometimes, the problem can be traced back to corrupted media files, incorrect settings, or even the cache data stored on your system. Pinpointing the exact cause is key to getting things back on track.

Eight Ways to Fix Photo Error Code 0x887A005

Now that we know what might be causing this error, let’s walk through the different ways to fix it.

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

One of the first things to check is whether your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers are often the root of many problems, and this error is no exception.

Here’s how you can update your drivers:

1. Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter. This opens Device Manager.
2. Find Display Adapters in the list, double-click to expand it, and select Update Drivers.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows do the rest. Don’t forget to restart your computer once it’s done.

2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help fix problems with apps, including the Photos app.

Here’s how you can run it:

1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Scroll down until you find Windows Store Apps and click Run. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the troubleshooting process.

3. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted cache data can often be the hidden cause behind these errors. Clearing the cache can sometimes resolve the issue instantly.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter. This will clear the cache and reset the Microsoft Store.

4. Update the Photos App

If you haven’t updated your Photos app in a while, that could be what’s causing the issue. Keeping it updated ensures you’re running the latest, bug-free version.

Here’s how to check for updates:

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner, select Downloads and updates, and then click Get updates.

5. Disable Hardware-Accelerated Video Encoding

While this feature can speed things up, it’s known to cause issues in certain situations, especially with video files.

Here’s how to disable it:

1. Open the Photos app and click the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Go to Settings and toggle off the option for Use hardware-accelerated video encoding when available.

6. Repair Corrupted Video Files

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the app or your system but with the video file itself. If the file is corrupted, you’ll need a tool to repair it.

Using a Softmagnat Video Repair Tool can help fix corrupted videos, no matter their format or size. This might be all you need to resolve the error.

7. Reinstall the Photos App

If you’re still encountering issues, reinstalling the Photos app might help. Sometimes a fresh install is the best way to get rid of deeper issues.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Scroll down to find Microsoft Photos, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, head to the Microsoft Store and reinstall the Photos app.

8. Reset the Photos App

If reinstalling seems too extreme, try resetting the app first. This will restore it to its default settings and might solve the problem without the need for a full reinstall.

To reset the app:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Microsoft Photos, click the three dots, select Advanced options, and click Reset.

Conclusion

Photo error code 0x887A005 can be frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to transfer a video. But the good news is, there are several ways to fix it. Whether it’s updating your drivers, clearing the Microsoft Store cache, or simply tweaking a few settings, one of these solutions should get things working again.

FAQs:

1. What causes photo error code 0x887A005 in Windows 11?
The error is typically linked to outdated graphics drivers, corrupted media files, or incorrect settings in the Photos app.

2. How do I update graphics drivers in Windows 11?
You can update them by going to Device Manager, selecting Display Adapters, and clicking Update Drivers.

3. Why does hardware-accelerated video encoding cause problems?
Sometimes, this feature doesn’t work well with certain media formats, causing transfer errors. Disabling it can often fix the issue.

4. How do I clear the Microsoft Store cache?
Simply run the command wsreset.exe from the Run dialog box, and it will clear the cache for you.

5. Can corrupted video files cause error 0x887A005?
Yes, corrupted videos are a common trigger for this error. A good video repair tool can help you fix those files and avoid further issues.