By Hally | Last Updated
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) files are a popular image format used for everything from website graphics to digital artwork. However, sometimes you may encounter an issue where PNG files simply won't open in Windows. Whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, these problems can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to fix PNG files not opening in Windows. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons behind this issue and offer troubleshooting tips to help you get back on track.
Several factors can lead to the PNG file not opening in Windows computer issue. You can check the most common factors below:
Corrupted PNG File
If the PNG file encounters damage or corruption, it is difficult to open it in Windows computer. This can happen due to improper downloading, transfer issues, or system crashes during file saving.
Outdated or Missing Image Viewer
Windows uses default apps like Photos or Paint to view PNG files. If you do not update them normally or there are some errors in the software, your PNG files will fail to open.
File Association Problems
Sometimes, PNG files can lose their default association with the correct program. When this happens, double-clicking a PNG file might result in an error, as Windows doesn't know which app to use to open the file.
Graphics Driver Issues
An outdated or malfunctioning graphics driver can prevent images from loading correctly, including PNG files. This is more likely if other image formats (JPEG, GIF, etc.) are opening without issue.
The PNG File is Encrypted
If your PNG file is set to encrypt contents or password protect by other software, it is impossible to open it normally.
If this issue only happens to only one PNG file, the PNG file might be corrupted. You can try the following options:
If you downloaded the PNG from the internet, try downloading it again. A faulty or incomplete download can cause corruption.
You can get a different image viewer, such as Adobe Photoshop, to open the PNG file and check whether it is corrupted.
When your PNG file is corrupted or damaged, how can you recover them? Don’t worry, the professional photo repair software can help you. iSunshare XRepair Genius is one of such software that can repair corrupted or damaged PNG files in simple clicks. Besides, it will never damage or change its original content.
Step 1: Download iSunshare XRepair Genius on your computer, launch it and choose Photo Repair from the left side.
Step 2: Click the Add Picture button to upload the corrupted PNG file.
Step 3: Start the repairing process by clicking the Repair button.
Step 4: Preview and save the fixed PNG files.
After the PNG file is fixed by the software, you can click the Preview icon to check the details of the PNG file. If the fixed PNG file is what you want, hit the Save icon to save it locally.
If there is error in your image viewer, it is better to update or repair it so as to view the image smoothly.
Step 1: Head to Settings > Apps> App & Features.
Step 2: Scroll down to Photos and click it. Soon, you can find the Advanced options. Go to click it.
Step 3: Go down and click “Repair” to fix any issues with the app.
If the PNG file is encrypted, you should decrypt it firstly. Most of the time, many people will choose to encrypt contents via Properties. If the photo is encrypted via third-party software, it is recommended to decrypt it with the same third-party software.
Step 1: With a simple right-click on the PNG file, you can choose Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: On the Properties window, click the General tab and hit the Advanced button.
Step 3: Go to the last section and uncheck the option—Encrypt contents to secure data. Hit the OK button to apply the changes. Finally, you can try to open the PNG file again.
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can sometimes prevent images from displaying properly. Here’s how to update your driver:
Step 1: Open device manager in your computer.
Step 2: Click the Display adapters and you can get the graphic card on your computer.
Step 3: Right-click on the graphic card and then choose Update driver. Then you can follow the onscreen instructions to update the driver.
Sometimes, converting PNG image format is useful to resolve the PNG file not opening issue. You can convert the PNG to another common format, such as JPG, with the third-party image converter or online tools.
Use Alternative Software: If you regularly face issues with Windows’ default apps, consider using alternative software like IrfanView, FastStone Image Viewer, or XnView for opening PNG files. These programs offer enhanced compatibility with various image formats.
Check for Disk Errors: Sometimes, disk errors can lead to corrupted files or software malfunction. Running a disk check using the CHKDSK command can help resolve underlying issues.
Reduce File Size: Large PNG files, especially ones with high resolutions, can be problematic. Try reducing the image size using an image editing tool or online compressor before opening it in Windows.
If your PNG files aren’t opening in Windows, don’t panic. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to viewing your images with ease.
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