Solving the Issue of Unable to Open JPG Files on Windows 10

Problem Summary: Unable to Open JPG Files

You may often save photos you take with your phone, camera, or download online to your computer so that you can view and keep them better. One of the most common issues when trying to view pictures using Windows Photo Viewer or the Photos app is that Windows 10 won't open JPG files.

The error message for Windows 10/11 unable to open JPG files might be:

• This picture can't be opened with Windows Photo Viewer because either Photo Viewer doesn't support this file format, or you don't have the latest updates to Photo Viewer.
• This picture can't be opened with Windows Photo Viewer because the file might be corrupt, damaged, or too big.
• [File name] We can't open this file.

If your Windows PC fails to open JPG files, try the tested solutions from this guide to quickly restore access to JPG images. Let's get started.

Why can't I open a JPG file?

If Windows Photo Viewer says it can't open a JPG file, the cause might be one of the following:

• The file format is not supported by Windows Photo Viewer.
• The photo viewer is not up to date.
• The JPG file is too large.
• The JPG file appears to be corrupted or damaged.
• The Windows Photo Viewer application might be corrupted.
• There could be issues with the file system on your hard drive.

If you can't open a JPG file on Windows, try the solutions below to fix the issue.

Method 1: Change the JPG File Format

If you see a clear error message that says the JPG image won't open because the format isn't supported, the solution is to convert the file.

You can rename the image or change its file format using a reliable converter or image editor. However, make sure to copy the original file elsewhere as a backup before trying this method.

If the extension change fails, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Resize a JPG Image

If your JPG photos are high-quality and high-definition, they can be quite large in size. As a result, the Windows Photos app might not be able to open these large JPG files on your computer. To resolve this issue, you can use an image editor, such as the default Windows tool Paint, to shrink the JPG file's size.

Method 3: Open the JPG File with a Different Image Viewer

If changing the file extension and size doesn't allow Windows Photo Viewer to open JPG files, try using a different photo viewing program to open the image. You can download a reliable third-party photo viewer or editor, like Photoshop, to open the JPG file.

Method 4: Repair Corrupted JPG Files with a Photo Repair Tool

One of the main reasons why the Photo Viewer fails to open JPG files is due to file corruption. In such cases, professional file repair tools prove to be the most effective solution. The Fixo Photo Repair Tool incorporates repair capabilities that assist users in fixing corrupted files effortlessly and efficiently.

- Repair corrupted JPG, JPEG, PNG, and BMP photos - Repair damaged Excel files (XLSX/XLS format) - Repair an unlimited number of single or multiple Word documents - Efficiently repair corrupted PDF files - Repair damaged MP4, MOV, and GIF videos - Repair unrecoverable JPEG files that won't open

Please download this file repair tool to fix corrupted JPG files and successfully open them again.

Step 1: Launch Fixo on your computer. Select "Photo Repair" to fix photos that won't open or are partially missing. Click "Add Photos" to choose the damaged ones.

Step 2. Click “Repair All” to fix multiple photos at once. To repair a single photo, hover over it and click “Repair.”

Select the photo you want to repair.

Step 3: Preview the photo by clicking the eye icon, then click “Save” to save the selected picture. Choose “Save All” to save all repaired images. Click “See Restored” to locate the folder with your fixed photos.

Method 5: Update Microsoft Photos to the latest version

When Windows Photo Viewer is out of date, it can't open JPG files. Older versions can have numerous issues, including problems with file functionality. Updating Windows Photo Viewer should resolve the issue where JPGs won't open.

Steps to update the Photos app on Windows 10/11:

Step 1: Click on “Start menu > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.”

Step 2: Click “Check for Updates.”

Check for Windows updates

Step 3: Check the box next to "Windows Photo Viewer," and then click "Install updates."

Step 4. Restart your computer and see if you can open a JPG file.

Method 6: Fix the Microsoft Photos app

When the Windows Photos app becomes corrupted or has issues, it might stop working properly, including its inability to open JPG files. In this case, you should repair the app. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Click on Apps > Apps & features.

Step 3: Scroll down and select “Microsoft Photos.” Tap on it, then choose “Advanced options.”

Step 4. Scroll down and tap “Repair.”

Method 7: Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can prevent your computer from opening JPG files. You can fix damaged system files by using the SFC (System File Checker) on Windows, which scans and replaces any corrupted files on your computer.

Step 1: Click on the search box and type CMD.

Step 2. Select “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as administrator.”

Step 3: Type sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

Use SFC to scan and repair system files

If System File Checker scans and detects any corrupted or damaged protected system files, it will repair them and replace with the correct copies. After that, restart your computer and check if Windows Photo Viewer can open JPG files.

Conclusions

The issue of Windows Photo Viewer not opening JPEG files is not new to us. When it occurs, don't worry. Try the troubleshooting methods mentioned above. If the JPG won't open issue is due to image corruption, use tools like Fixo to effectively repair and recover JPG files.