How to Enable Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10/11 Easily

Do you miss the simplicity of the old Windows Photo Viewer? In this guide, you’ll learn how to enable the classic photo viewer on both Windows 10 and 11, either using third-party software or by editing the Windows registry. Follow these simple steps to bring back your favorite photo viewing app.

Key Takeaways

• Downloading and using WinAero Tweaker can restore the Windows Photo Viewer.
• Alternatively, you can manually edit the registry to enable the old viewer without third-party software.
• The tutorial covers both methods to ensure you can choose whichever is more comfortable for you.

Using WinAero Tweaker to Enable Windows Photo Viewer

Step 1: Download WinAero Tweaker

1. Open your browser and head to the WinAero Tweaker webpage.
2. Scroll down to find the download button and click on it.
3. After the download is complete, navigate to your Downloads folder.

Step 2: Install WinAero Tweaker

1. Right-click the WinAero Tweaker zip file and choose “Extract All.”
2. Run the setup file and follow the prompts.
3. Choose Portable mode during setup and click “Next.”
4. After installation, navigate to your C: drive, find the WinAero Tweaker folder, and run the application.

Step 3: Activate Windows Photo Viewer

1. Once WinAero Tweaker is open, scroll down to the Get Classic Apps section.
2. Click on Activate Windows Photo Viewer.
3. This action will take you to the Default Apps settings on your PC.
4. Scroll down and find Windows Photo Viewer in the list, then select it as the default app for image file types like .jpeg, .png, and .bmp.
5. Once all file types are set, exit the settings.

Now, when you open a picture, it will open with the classic Windows Photo Viewer.

Manual Method: Edit the Registry to Enable Windows Photo Viewer

If you prefer not to download any software, you can enable the old Windows Photo Viewer by editing the registry. This method is more technical, but it gets the job done without additional software.

Important: Editing the registry can be risky if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

For detailed instructions on how to enable the Windows Photo Viewer using the registry editor, follow the Windows 10 or Windows 11 guide by WinAero.

Conclusion

Bringing back the old Windows Photo Viewer can be done in two ways: using the simple and user-friendly WinAero Tweaker tool, or by manually editing the Windows registry. Whether you prefer the convenience of a software tool or the control of manual changes, this guide ensures that you’ll have the old photo viewer up and running on your Windows 10 or 11 machine in no time.

FAQs

What is WinAero Tweaker?

WinAero Tweaker is a free customization tool for Windows that allows you to modify various settings and bring back classic features like Windows Photo Viewer.

Is WinAero Tweaker safe to use?

Yes, WinAero Tweaker is a trusted software used by many Windows users to customize their system. However, always download from the official website to avoid malware.

Can I enable Windows Photo Viewer without software?

Yes, you can manually edit the Windows registry to enable the old photo viewer. The guide linked in the tutorial explains this process.

Does this work on Windows 11?

Yes, the steps to enable Windows Photo Viewer work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What file types can be opened with Windows Photo Viewer?

You can set Windows Photo Viewer as the default for file types such as .jpeg, .png, .bmp, and more.