Windows 11 Photos app not working or showing error message? Here’s how to fix it

Last month, Microsoft rolled out a Windows update that broke the built-in Windows Photos app. If the app isn't working for you or showing an error message, here's how to fix it.

A recent Windows 11 update broke the built-in Photos app. (Image Source: Microsoft)

Last month, several Windows 11 users reported that they were unable to use the built-in Photos app. While some claimed that they could not launch the app in the first place, others were reportedly stuck on a spinning circle followed by an “Access Denied error on Process Exit” error message.

Since then, the Redmond-based tech giant acknowledged the issue and said it was working on a fix. And while Microsoft is yet to find a permanent fix, the company recently shared a temporary workaround to fix the issue impacting Windows 11 22H2 and Windows 23H2.

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However, this solution only works for devices with the “Prevent non-admin users from installing packaged Windows app” or have enabled the “BlockNonAdminUserInstall Configuration service provider.” According to Microsoft, the issue is less likely to affect those running Windows 11 Home as these policies may not be enabled on these devices.

How to fix the Photos app on Windows 11

1. Search for the latest WinAppSDK from the Microsoft website.

2. When the page opens, you will see the option to download the package for x64, x86 and ARM-based systems.

3. If you don’t know which installer to download, the x64 version works for most modern laptops launched in the last few years whereas the x86 installer may be needed for older systems.

4. Once downloaded, right-click on the file and select the option named ‘Run as administrator’, following which a command prompt window will appear.

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5. After some time, the command window will automatically close, which indicates that the installation has been completed.

Keep in mind that this is a temporary workaround and Microsoft has said that it will share a permanent fix in the coming weeks, so if the fix isn’t working, you might have to wait a while.