What’s the Default Picture Viewer in Windows 11?  Change It in Windows 11

What is the default image viewer in Windows 11? In this blog post, we’ll explore the default image viewer, its features, how to enable it, and how it can enhance your photo viewing experience.

To begin with, here is a quick step guide to enable the default image viewer in Windows 11:

• Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

• Select “Apps” from the left menu.

• Click on “Default apps” on the right.

• Scroll to “Photo viewer” or “Photos” and click it.

• Choose “Windows Photo Viewer” or “Photos” from the dropdown menu.

It’s important to note that this is just an overview of the steps. As you continue reading the full blog, you’ll find that we have mentioned more methods, each with their detailed step-by-step instructions to enable the default image viewer in Windows 11.  

What is the default image viewer in Windows 11 ?

In Windows 11, the default image viewer is the Photos app. This application is designed to provide a modern and user-friendly experience for viewing, organizing and editing images.

Here’s a detailed look at the features and functionality of the Photos app in Windows 11:

Main features of the Photos app

User interface: First and foremost, the Photos app has a clean and intuitive interface that is in line with the overall design language of Windows 11. Moreover, it has a streamlined layout that makes it easy to navigate through your photo library.

Image organization: Additionally, the app automatically organizes your photos into collections based on date and album, making it easy to find specific photos. Furthermore, you can also create custom albums to group your favorite photos.

Editing tools: In terms of editing, the Photos app includes basic editing tools that allow you to enhance your photos. Specifically, you can crop, rotate, adjust brightness and contrast, apply filters and even use drawing tools to annotate your photos.

Slideshow function: On top of that, you can display your photos in a slideshow format, which is perfect for displaying a collection of photos during meetings or presentations.

Integration with OneDrive: Another key feature is that If you use OneDrive, the Photos app can sync your photos between devices, so you can access your photo library anywhere.

Video support: In addition to images, the Photos app can also play videos, making it a versatile media viewer.

Search Functionality: Lastly, the app includes a search function that lets you find images quickly by typing in keywords, dates, or even using tags if you’ve organized your photos that way.

Also Check: How do I disable Filmstrip in Microsoft Photo Viewer App ?

How to access the Photos app ?

To open the Photos app in Windows 11, you can:

• Firstly, you can click the Start menu and type “Photos” in the search bar, then select the app from the results.

• Alternatively, you can find it in the All Apps section of the Start menu.  

How to enable the default image viewer in Windows 11 ?       

Enabling the default image viewer in Windows 11 can be done through several methods. Below are detailed step-by-step instructions for each method:  

Method 1: Using the Settings App

Open Settings:

• First, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

Navigate to Apps:

• Next, in the left sidebar, click on Apps.

Select Default Apps:

• Then, on the right side, click on Default apps.

Find Photo Viewer:

• After that, scroll down to find Photo viewer or type “Photos” in the search bar.

Choose Your Default Viewer:

• Subsequently, click on the current default app (usually the Photos app).

• A list of available apps will appear. At this point, select Windows Photo Viewer or any other image viewer you prefer.

Confirm Your Choice:

• Finally, once selected, the app will now be set as the default image viewer.

Method 2: Using File Explorer

Open File Explorer:

• To begin, press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.

Locate an Image File:

• Next, navigate to a folder containing an image file (e.g., .jpg, .png).

Right-Click on the Image:

• Then, right-click on the image file you want to open.

Select Open with:

• After that, hover over Open within the context menu.

Choose Another App:

• Subsequently, click on Choose another app.

Select Your Preferred Viewer:

• In the pop-up window, select Windows Photo Viewer or another image viewer from the list.

• Additionally, make sure to check the box that says Always use this app to open .[file type] files.

Click OK:

• Lastly, click OK to set your choice as the default.

Also Check: How to access the Windows 10 Startup Folder ?

Method 3: Using the Control Panel (for Windows Photo Viewer)

Open Control Panel:

• Firstly, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

• Secondly, type control and press Enter.

Navigate to Default Programs:

• Next, click on Default Programs.

Set Your Default Programs:

• After that, click on Set your default programs.

Select Windows Photo Viewer:

• Subsequently, in the list of programs, find and select Windows Photo Viewer.

Set as Default:

• Then, click on Set this program as default to make it the default for all file types it can open.

Click OK:

• Finally, click OK to confirm your changes.

Method 4: Using the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

Note: This method is for advanced users. Be cautious when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

Open Registry Editor:

• To start, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

• Next, type regedit and press Enter.

Navigate to the Key:

• Then, go to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.jpg\shell\open\command

Modify the Default Value:

• After that, double-click on the (Default) value in the right pane.

• Subsequently, change the value data to the path of the Windows Photo Viewer executable, typically: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Photo Viewer\PhotoViewer.dll” “%1”

Repeat for Other Image Formats:

• If necessary, you may need to repeat this process for other image formats (e.g., .png, .bmp) by navigating to their respective keys.

Close Registry Editor:

• Lastly, exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer for changes to take effect.

By following these methods, you can easily enable and set your preferred default image viewer in Windows 11.

Ultimately, whether you choose to use the Settings app, Windows Explorer, Control Panel, or the Registry Editor, you have the flexibility to customize your image viewing experience to suit your needs.

Also Check: How to disable Sticky Keys ?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows 11 offers users flexibility in choosing the default image viewer. While the Photos app comes pre-installed with its modern interface and handy features, you have the freedom to switch to alternatives like Windows Photo Viewer if you prefer.

So, if you’re wondering, “what is the default image viewer in Windows 11,” it is the Photos app, but you can easily customize your experience.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored several methods to set your preferred image viewer, from using the Settings app to more advanced techniques like registry editor changes.

Remember, the right viewer can greatly improve your photography experience. Whether you’re organizing a large photo collection, making quick edits, or just enjoying your memories, it’s important to have a convenient and efficient image viewer.

Source: [ howtogeek, microsoft, winaero, reddit, hardforum ]

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