How to Fix Photos Not Opening in Windows - Invalid Value for Registry Error

Microsoft Photos is the default app for viewing photos on a Windows computer. You can use it to quickly view image files or browse all the photos saved on your PC. However, you may encounter the issue of photos not opening in Windows when using the Photos app and most users see the "Invalid Value for Registry" or "Invalid Value for Registry" error. This problem can occur with any file but is more common with JPG, JPEG, and PNG image formats.

What causes the "Invalid Value for Registry" error in Windows Photos?

The "Invalid Value for Registry" error can be frustrating when it prevents you from viewing photos. This section explores what causes the problem and what is involved in resolving it.

Outdated Photos Application: An outdated version of the Photos app may be incompatible with the latest Windows update.

Corrupted Application Files: Any corruption or damage to key Photos application files can lead to errors.

Damaged System Files: Underlying issues with core Windows operating system files may also play a role.

Misconfigured Registry Entries: Incorrectly configured Registry entries related to Photos are a common cause.

How To Solve the "Invalid Value for Registry" error

Now that you know the main reasons behind the photos not opening issue in Windows, let's check out all the effective solutions.

Solution 1 - Restart your computer

Restarting refreshes, the system memory and services. It resolves issues caused by incomplete updates or temporary glitches.

Solution 2 - Use the Repair feature

The "Invalid Value for Registry" error can appear due to corruption in the Microsoft Photos app. You can try using the built-in Repair feature of Windows to fix the problem in this case. Here are the steps to use it:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features
2. Find Microsoft Photos click Advanced options
3. Click "Repair" and let it run
4. Reset if issue persists.

Solution 3 - Update Microsoft Photos app

An outdated app can cause problems. Updating ensures you have the latest bug fixes.

To manually update Photos:

1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for Microsoft Photos
2. Click "update" and run the app after the update is complete.

Solution 4 - Change registry settings

Incorrect registry keys can trigger the error. Remove old Photos keys.

Important: Before proceeding, don't forget to take a backup of the registry in case something goes wrong, and you need to revert.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type "regedit" and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the Photos app location

Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\classes\LocalSettings\Software\Microsoft\Windows

\CurrentVersion\AppModel\Repository\Families

3. Locate Microsoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe

4. Right click, select Permissions > Advanced > Change owner

Click Advanced again and select your account from the options

5. Check the "Full control" box

6. Right click the key again > Delete

7. Restart and check if issue resolved

Solution 5 - Run the SFC

The System File Checker tool, also known as SFC, is a built-in troubleshooting tool in Windows that automatically searches for corrupted system files and restores them. You can run an SFC scan by following these steps:

To run an SFC scan: Search "Command Prompt" and run as Admin.

Type "sfc /scannow" and let it finish scanning.

Solution 6 - Reinstall the Photos App

If none of the above-mentioned solutions have been helpful, your only option would be to reinstall Microsoft Photos app. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Open PowerShell as Admin and type "Get-AppxPackage *photo* | Remove-AppxPackage"

2. Reinstall app from Microsoft Store and restart.

Conclusion

In summary, the "Invalid Value for Registry" error can be a frustrating issue that prevents using the Photos app, but with patience and by methodically working through the solutions provided in this guide from simple to complex, it can usually be resolved. Starting with basics like restarting, updating, and using troubleshooters, then moving on to more advanced steps only if needed, allows for proper diagnosis and targeted fixing of the root cause. With thorough testing of each recommended step, along with care taken when modifying system settings, users should ultimately be able to troubleshoot past this error and regain full functionality of the Photos app on Windows.