Windows 10 has undergone significant changes since its release, and one of the notable changes is the default photo viewer. In previous versions of Windows, the default photo viewer was Windows Photo Viewer, but in Windows 10, it was replaced by the Photos app. However, many users still prefer to use Windows Photo Viewer due to its simplicity and ease of use. In this article, we will guide you on how to open a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10.
Why Use Windows Photo Viewer?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s discuss why you might want to use Windows Photo Viewer over the default Photos app. Here are a few reasons:
- Simplicity: Windows Photo Viewer has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to view and manage your photos.
- Speed: Windows Photo Viewer is generally faster than the Photos app, especially when viewing large collections of photos.
- Compatibility: Windows Photo Viewer supports a wide range of image formats, including JPEG, BMP, PNG, and more.
How to Open a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of using Windows Photo Viewer, let’s move on to the steps to open a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer.
Method 1: Using the Open With Option
One way to open a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer is by using the “Open with” option. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the JPEG file you want to open.
- Select “Open with” from the context menu.
- Click on “Choose another app” from the submenu.
- Scroll down and select “Windows Photo Viewer” from the list of available apps.
- Check the box next to “Always use this app to open .jpg files” to set Windows Photo Viewer as the default app for JPEG files.
Method 2: Using the Default Apps Settings
Another way to open a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer is by changing the default app settings. Here’s how:
- Go to the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon.
- Click on “Apps” from the Settings menu.
- Click on “Default apps” from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and click on “Photo viewer” under the “Image file” section.
- Select “Windows Photo Viewer” from the list of available apps.
Method 3: Using the Registry Editor
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using the Registry Editor to set Windows Photo Viewer as the default app for JPEG files. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.jpg
- Right-click on the “.jpg” key and select “New” > “String value”.
- Name the new value “ProgId” and set its value to “PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Jpeg”.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble opening a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer, here are some common issues and their solutions:
Issue 1: Windows Photo Viewer is Not Listed as an Option
If Windows Photo Viewer is not listed as an option when you try to open a JPEG file, it may be because the app is not registered correctly. To fix this, try the following:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.jpg
- Right-click on the “.jpg” key and select “New” > “String value”.
- Name the new value “ProgId” and set its value to “PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Jpeg”.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Issue 2: Windows Photo Viewer is Not Opening JPEG Files
If Windows Photo Viewer is not opening JPEG files, it may be because the app is not set as the default app for JPEG files. To fix this, try the following:
- Go to the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon.
- Click on “Apps” from the Settings menu.
- Click on “Default apps” from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down and click on “Photo viewer” under the “Image file” section.
- Select “Windows Photo Viewer” from the list of available apps.
Conclusion
Opening a JPEG in Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using one of the methods outlined above. Whether you prefer to use the “Open with” option, change the default app settings, or use the Registry Editor, you can easily set Windows Photo Viewer as the default app for JPEG files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the simplicity and speed of Windows Photo Viewer for all your photo viewing needs.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks for using Windows Photo Viewer:
- Use the keyboard shortcuts: Windows Photo Viewer has several keyboard shortcuts that can make it easier to navigate and view your photos. For example, you can use the arrow keys to navigate through your photos, and the “F” key to toggle full-screen mode.
- Use the slideshow feature: Windows Photo Viewer has a built-in slideshow feature that allows you to view your photos in a slideshow format. To use this feature, simply select the photos you want to include in the slideshow, and then click on the “Slideshow” button.
- Use the print feature: Windows Photo Viewer has a built-in print feature that allows you to print your photos. To use this feature, simply select the photos you want to print, and then click on the “Print” button.
By following these tips and tricks, you can get the most out of Windows Photo Viewer and enjoy a seamless photo viewing experience.
What is Windows Photo Viewer and why should I use it to open JPEG files?
Windows Photo Viewer is a built-in image viewing application in Windows 10 that allows users to view and manage their digital photos. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for viewing images, including JPEG files. Using Windows Photo Viewer to open JPEG files is a good option because it is a lightweight and efficient application that does not require any additional software or installation.
Additionally, Windows Photo Viewer provides basic image editing features, such as zooming, rotating, and printing, making it a convenient choice for quickly viewing and managing JPEG files. It also supports a wide range of image file formats, including JPEG, BMP, PNG, and more.
How do I set Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer in Windows 10?
To set Windows Photo Viewer as the default image viewer in Windows 10, you need to access the Settings app. Click on the Start button and select the Settings icon, then click on “Apps” and select “Default apps” from the left menu. Scroll down to the “Photo viewer” section and click on the current default app. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to select Windows Photo Viewer as the new default app.
Alternatively, you can also set Windows Photo Viewer as the default app for a specific file type, such as JPEG. To do this, right-click on a JPEG file and select “Open with” and then “Choose another app”. Select Windows Photo Viewer from the list of available apps and check the box that says “Always use this app to open .jpg files”.
What if Windows Photo Viewer is not available in my Windows 10 installation?
If Windows Photo Viewer is not available in your Windows 10 installation, it may be because it was not included in the default installation or was removed during an update. In this case, you can try to reinstall Windows Photo Viewer by enabling the “Windows Photo Viewer” feature in the Windows Features dialog box. To do this, press the Windows key + X and select “Turn Windows features on or off”. Scroll down to the “Windows Photo Viewer” feature and check the box to enable it.
Alternatively, you can also try to install the Windows Photo Viewer from the Microsoft Store. However, this method may not be available in all regions or countries. If you are unable to install Windows Photo Viewer, you can consider using alternative image viewing applications, such as the Photos app or third-party apps like IrfanView or XnView.
How do I open a JPEG file in Windows Photo Viewer if it is not set as the default app?
If Windows Photo Viewer is not set as the default app for JPEG files, you can still open a JPEG file in it by using the “Open with” option. Right-click on the JPEG file and select “Open with” and then “Choose another app”. Select Windows Photo Viewer from the list of available apps. If Windows Photo Viewer is not listed, you can click on “More apps” to browse for the application.
Alternatively, you can also open Windows Photo Viewer directly and then open the JPEG file from within the application. To do this, click on the Start button and type “Windows Photo Viewer” in the search bar. Click on the Windows Photo Viewer icon to open the application, and then click on “File” and select “Open” to browse for the JPEG file.
Can I use Windows Photo Viewer to edit JPEG files?
Windows Photo Viewer provides basic image editing features, such as zooming, rotating, and printing, but it is not a full-fledged image editing application. If you need to edit JPEG files, you may want to consider using a more advanced image editing application, such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
However, Windows Photo Viewer does provide some basic editing features, such as adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation of an image. You can access these features by clicking on the “Edit” button in the toolbar or by right-clicking on the image and selecting “Edit”. Keep in mind that these features are limited, and you may not be able to make significant edits to the image.
Is Windows Photo Viewer compatible with all types of JPEG files?
Windows Photo Viewer is compatible with most types of JPEG files, including baseline JPEG and progressive JPEG. However, it may not be compatible with all types of JPEG files, such as JPEG 2000 or JPEG XR.
If you are having trouble opening a JPEG file in Windows Photo Viewer, it may be because the file is corrupted or is in a format that is not supported by the application. In this case, you can try opening the file in a different image viewing application or using a file conversion tool to convert the file to a different format.
Can I use Windows Photo Viewer to view JPEG files in full screen mode?
Yes, Windows Photo Viewer allows you to view JPEG files in full screen mode. To do this, open the JPEG file in Windows Photo Viewer and click on the “View” button in the toolbar. Select “Full screen” from the drop-down menu, or press the F11 key on your keyboard.
In full screen mode, the image will be displayed at full size, and the toolbar and other interface elements will be hidden. You can navigate through the image by using the arrow keys or the mouse wheel, and you can exit full screen mode by pressing the Esc key or clicking on the “Exit full screen” button.