HomeWinBuzzer TipsWindows 10: How to Restore the Old Photo Viewer

Windows 10: How to Restore the Old Photo Viewer

The old Windows photo gallery is hidden by default on Windows 10. We show you how to restore it in just a few clicks.

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As 's old OSes reach the end of support, many are migrating to , only to realize that the beloved Windows photo viewer is missing. The app has been replaced by the feature-filled Photos, but some prefer the simplicity of the old program. 

Before you go trawling for a photo viewer download, know that it's still hidden on the OS. Clicking any links in that regard will lead to lead to nothing but trouble. Microsoft doesn't make it easy to restore the legacy gallery, but a few registry tweaks are all you need. 

First, it's worth noting that changes to the registry can cause serious issues if you aren't careful. You should make sure to only use the files we provide, which contain no malicious code. Additionally, re-enabling the legacy gallery is viable for now, but be aware that a lack of support from Microsoft could cause compatibility or security issues down the line. 

The guide below will show you how to restore your missing Windows photo viewer, set it as the default image program, and return to normalcy when you're ready to move to a more modern toolset.

Restore the Old Photo Viewer on Windows 10

As mentioned, we have prepared a .reg file that will restore your missing Windows photo viewer in a couple of clicks. Download the .zip file here, open it, and drag the included .reg-file to your desktop. 

Windows 10 – Unzip registry key for old photo viewer

You'll now want to double click the file to initiate the registry changes. Windows 10 will warn you about the dangers of changing the registry, which we've already covered above. Press Yes. 

Windows 10 – Execute registry key for old Windows photo viewer

If successful, a dialog box will tell you that the keys and values contained have been added. You can click OK and continue to the next step. 

Windows 10 - Execute registry key for old photo viewer step 2
Windows 10 – Execute registry key step 2

Making The Old Photo Viewer the Default Image app on Windows 10

We now have the old Windows photo gallery, but you'll notice that pictures still opening with Photos by default. To change this, right-click any photo and select Open with > Choose another app”. 

Windows 10 – Image File – Open With – Choose another app

Windows 10 will now show a list of apps, but you may notice that Windows Photo viewer is missing. If that's the case, click the “More apps” dropdown. 

Windows 10 - Image File - Open With - Choose another app - More apps
Windows 10 – Image File – Open With – Choose another app – More apps

The old Windows gallery app should now be present. After clicking it, be sure to tick “Always use this app to open .jpg files”. Press OK. 

Windows 10 - Image File - Open With - Choose another app - Other apps
06 Windows 10 – Image File – Open With – Choose another app – Other apps

The image should now open with the legacy application, like so. 

Windows 10 - Old photo viewer
Windows 10 – Old photo viewer

If you come across different image formats that are still opening with Photos, simply repeat the last few steps.

Last Updated on April 16, 2020 4:29 pm CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff

Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.
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