Troubleshooting Windows Photo Gallery: Fixing Startup Issues
Windows Photo Gallery, a handy photo management and editing application from Microsoft’s Windows Essentials 2012 package, has been a reliable tool for many users over the years. Although it’s been around for nearly a decade, it can sometimes encounter hiccups, such as failing to start. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some effective solutions to get it back up and running.
1. Update Your Windows OS
Keeping your operating system updated is not just a good practice; it’s essential for smooth operation. Updates often come with bug fixes and performance enhancements that could resolve issues like the inability to start Windows Photo Gallery.
How to Update Windows:
- Press the Windows key and navigate to Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Check for updates and install any available updates.
2. Use the Windows Troubleshooter
The Windows Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to automatically detect and fix various problems. Running the troubleshooter specifically for Windows Store apps may help address startup issues with Windows Photo Gallery.
How to Run the Troubleshooter:
- Open Settings on your Windows device.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click on Troubleshoot, then select Additional troubleshooters.
- Scroll down to Windows Store Apps.
- Click Run the troubleshooter, and let the system detect and resolve any issues.
3. Reset the Windows Photo Gallery Application
If the troubleshooter doesn’t do the trick, resetting the application can help by clearing any problematic data and settings, giving the app a fresh start.
How to Reset Photo Gallery:
- Navigate to Settings > Apps.
- Under Apps & features, find Windows Photo Gallery.
- Click on Advanced options, then select Reset.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Photo Gallery
When resetting doesn’t resolve the issue, a fresh reinstall often does. This approach can eliminate any underlying problems with the program itself.
Recovering Corrupted or Inaccessible Photos with Photo Repair Tool
Sometimes, while fixing the Photo Gallery app, you might run into issues with your stored images, such as them becoming corrupted or inaccessible. In such cases, a professional Softmagnat photo repair tool can be a lifesaver.
Steps to Repair Photos Using a Photo Repair Tool:
- Download and install the Photo Recovery tool on your system.
- Open the tool and click the Plus sign (‘+’) icon to add images.
- After selecting the images, click Open.
- Click on the Repair Files button after selecting all images.
- Choose a destination folder to save the repaired photos.
- The tool will begin the recovery process, allowing you to track the progress. Once completed, save the repair report by clicking Save report to CSV.
- Your repaired photos will be saved in the chosen location.
Conclusion
We’ve covered several methods to troubleshoot startup issues with Windows Photo Gallery, including updating your Windows OS, running the troubleshooter, resetting the app, or reinstalling it. If your photos are corrupted or inaccessible afterward, the Photo Repair Tool for Windows can help you restore them to their original quality without data loss.
By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy Windows Photo Gallery again while ensuring your cherished images are safe.
FAQs
1. What should I do if Windows Photo Gallery won’t open after following these steps?
If the app still refuses to start, consider checking for other software conflicts or reinstalling the application completely.
2. Is Windows Photo Gallery still supported by Microsoft?
Windows Photo Gallery is no longer officially supported, which means updates and technical support are limited. However, it remains functional for many users.
3. Can I use Windows Photo Gallery on Windows 11?
Yes, Windows Photo Gallery can be used on Windows 11, but it may require additional troubleshooting to ensure compatibility.
4. How can I recover photos if they become corrupted?
Using a specialized photo repair tool is one of the most effective ways to recover corrupted images without losing data.
5. Are there any alternatives to Windows Photo Gallery?
Yes, several alternatives exist, such as Google Photos, Adobe Lightroom, and the built-in Photos app in Windows 10 and 11, offering various features for photo management and editing.
