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Computer How to Fix Cannot Open JPG File Issue in Windows 10/11

How to Fix Cannot Open JPG File Issue in Windows 10/11

By Achille Hill | Last Updated

JPG files are one of the most common image formats used across the world. However, many Windows 10 and 11 users experience issues when trying to open JPG/JPEG files. If you're facing this problem, don't worry! This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions to fix the Cannot Open JPG File issue in Windows 10/11.

cannot open JPG file

Why Can’t Open JPG Files on Windows

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to understand the possible reasons why JPG files cannot be opened on your system:

  • Corrupt JPG File: The image file itself might be damaged or incomplete.
  • Incompatible Default Photo Viewer: Your default image viewer may not support the JPG format.
  • Outdated or Corrupt Photo App: Windows Photos app may have a glitch.
  • File Association Issues: Windows might not associate JPG files with the correct app.
  • Software Conflicts: Third-party apps can interfere with default programs.
  • Corrupt System Files: System-related issues might be affecting file handling.

Fix 1. Change the Default Photo Viewer

Sometimes, the default Photos app malfunctions. Try switching to another app:

Step 1: Right-click on the JPG file and select Open with > Choose another app.

Step 2: Select Windows Photo Viewer or another image viewer, such as Paint.

Step 3: Tick the option Always use this app to open .jpg files and hit OK.

change the default photo viewer

Fix 2. Update the Photos App

An outdated app may cause JPG files not to open. You can search Microsoft Store on the bottom left corner search box. Then select Microsoft Store to open. In Microsoft Store interface, go to Library and find Windows Photos app. If you find the Photos app is listed with an available update, click Get Updates button to update it automatically.

Fix 3. Repair or Reset the Photos App

If there are errors in the Photos app itself, you can repair or reset it to get the app work normally.

Step 1: Open Settings > Apps >Apps & features.

Step 2: Search for Photos, then click Advanced options.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset field. Click Repair and try opening the JPG file. If the issue persists, click Reset.

click Repair or Reset

Fix 4. Convert the JPG File to Another Format

If the file is corrupt, converting it to PNG or BMP might work:

Step 1: Right-click the JPG file, open it with Paint.

Step 2: Click File > Save as, then select PNG or BMP.

Step 3: Save the file and try opening it again.

convert JPG file to another format

Fix 5. Scan and Fix System Files

Corrupt system files may prevent JPG files from opening. Run the System File Checker:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Step 3: Minutes later, the scanning process ends and you can restart the computer.

run sfc to fix system error

Fix 6. Check for Windows Updates

Updating Windows can fix bugs causing this issue: Open Settings >Update & Security> Windows Update. Then hit Check for updates and finish the installation of any pending updates.

check for Windows update

Fix 7. Repair Corrupt JPG Files with Photo Repair Tool

If you try all above methods and still cannot open JPG files, the JPG files might be damaged or corrupted. In such situation, you need to take advantage of the professional photo repair software to fix the corrupted JPG/JPEG files. iSunshare XRepair Genius is one of such tools which make it extremely easy to recover corrupted photos.

XRepair Genius boxshot

iSunshare Reliable Photo Repair Software

  • Repair corrupted photos in various formats, such as JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF and so on.
  • Support photos from any device, such as phones and cameras.
  • Two repair modes: Normal Repair and Advanced Repair.
  • Have no limitation on the number and size of the photos.
  • Works on Windows 11/10/8/7 computers.

Now you can follow the step-by-step guide to fix the corrupted JPG file.

Step 1: Add corrupted photos.

Simply open iSunshare XRepair Genius on your Windows computer and go to the Photo Repair feature from the sidebar. Then click the Add Picture button. Now you can head to the location where your corrupted JPG files are saved and load them on the software.

add corrupted photos

Step 2: Repair and preview the photos

Click the Repair button and wait for minutes. When the Repair completed prompt comes, you can get the result.

click Repair button

You can hit the preview icon to view the repaired photos, which can help to check whether the normal repairing process was successful or not.

hit preview icon

For the corrupted JPG files failed to be repaired in Normal mode, you can hit the Advanced Repair button and add a photo template from the same device. Soon, your JPG files would be repaired successfully.

repair jpg file in advanced repair mode

Step 3: Download the repaired photos to your computer

Finally, you can simply click the Save icon behind the preview icon to export the repaired photo. Besides, you can click the Save button on the lower left corner to export all repaired photos.

save the repaired JPG images

FAQs on Unable to Open JPG Files

1. Why won't my JPG files open in Windows 10/11?

This issue may occur due to file corruption, outdated photo apps, incorrect file associations, or system conflicts.

2. How do I change the default app for opening JPG files?

Right-click the JPG file, choose Open with > Choose another app, select your preferred app, check Always use this app, and click OK.

3. How to open a corrupt JPG file in Windows 10?

You can try opening the file in a different viewer, converting it to another format, or using third-party repair tools, such as iSunshare XRepair Genius to fix the corruption.

Conclusion

If you still can't open JPG files in Windows 10 or 11, consider using a third-party image viewer. In most cases, updating the app, changing the default viewer, or fixing corrupt files will resolve the issue.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to access your JPG files without any problems. Let us know in the comments which solution worked for you!

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