Windows 10 won’t open JPG files? 6 tested solutions

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Contents show

1 Adobe Photoshop

2 3. Run a DISM ScanHealth

3 4. Run an SFC scan

4 5. Install and update drivers in Windows 10

5 6. Delete outdated registry keys

6 FAQ: Learn more about JPEG images

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop lets you easily view, edit, and convert multiple files such as JPEG, PSD, and TIFF formats simultaneously.

Other performant image viewers include:

⇒ FileViewer Plus (free)

⇒ FileViewer Plus 2

⇒ ACDsee Photo Viewer

You can open .jpg files and hundreds of different formats with a single application. FileViewer Plus is a universal file viewer for Windows that can open and display over 300 different file types.

You can download a free fully-functional trial from the official website or buy it at an affordable price.

3. Run a DISM ScanHealth

1. Click Start, and type cmd in the search field box.
2. Click Command Prompt in the search results list.
3. Type the following command to scan for missing components: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
4. Type the following command to scan and correct any causes of the Windows 10 won’t open JPG files issue: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. Press Enter.

Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and check if the problem persists, after which you can run an SFC scan as described in the next solution.

The DISM ScanHealth scans the image for any component store corruption while RestoreHealth performs repair operation automatically, then records those to the log file. Perform both scans to resolve the issue.

Note: The DISM tool usually takes 15 minutes or longer to complete, so do not cancel when it is running.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look on this guide.

It seems that everything is lost when DISM fails on Windows 10? Check out this quick guide and get rid of the worries.

4. Run an SFC scan

1. Click Start, and type cmd in the search field box.
2. Right-click Command Prompt in the search results list, and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type sfc/scannow, and press Enter.
4. Restart your PC, and check if the JPG files open.

This scan checks whether there are broken Windows components in your computer when Windows 10 won’t open JPG files.

If it still does not work, then try the next solution.

5. Install and update drivers in Windows 10

Most programs created for earlier versions of Windows may run poorly, or not at all, so you can install and update drivers in Windows 10 and see if it helps.

Additionally, running the program compatibility troubleshooter will detect and fix some of these issues. If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.

6. Delete outdated registry keys

1. Log in as administrator.
2. Right-click Start, and select Run.
3. Type regedit, and press Enter.
4. Go to the left pane and find the following directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesLocalSettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionAppModelRepositoryFamiliesMicrosoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe
5. You’ll see several entries, each has a version number. If it has 8 Windows Photos app entries, then the outdated registry keys were left after the update, so you have to remove them (some have two or four).
6. Select the old entry, right-click it, then select Permissions.
7. In the Security window click Advanced.
8. Pick your username, then click OK.
9. Right-click on the old entry and select Delete.
10. Repeat these steps with each outdated entry and then exit and restart your PC.

Sometimes Windows 10 won’t open JPG files because registry entries are outdated, but you can restore it by modifying the registry and following the above steps carefully.

Can’t access the Registry Editor? Things aren’t as scary as they seem. Check out this guide and solve the issue quickly.

Also, if this is too much work, and you’re looking for some software to clean your registry, here are the best registry cleaners available right now.

Clean your registry like an expert with the help of this amazing guide written by experts!

Have any of these solutions helped you fix the Windows 10 won’t open JPG files problem? Let us know by sharing your comments in the section below.

Leave there any other suggestions or questions, as well.

FAQ: Learn more about JPEG images

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) is a popular format used to display photographs. Its distinguishing feature is that it uses a compression technique that selectively discards data which translates into lower image quality when decompressing the file for viewing.

• What is the difference between JPEG and JPG?

There is no differences between the JPG and JPEG formats except for the number of characters used to name the extension. Earlier versions of Windows imposed a character limit.

• What is the best program to open JPEG files?

You can open JPG files with your browsers, with Windows’ built-in Photo Viewer or with third-party apps like Adobe Photoshop.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2018 and was revamped and updated in January 2021 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.