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Computer Repair Corrupted JPG Files

How to Repair Corrupted JPG/JPEG Files

By Michael | Last Updated

JPEG (JPG) files are among the most commonly used image formats due to their high compression and quality balance. However, they can become corrupted due to various reasons such as incomplete downloads, malware infections, file system errors, or hardware issues. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to repair a corrupted JPG file. In this guide, we will explore various solutions, from basic troubleshooting to advanced recovery techniques.

repair corrupted JPG files

Part 1: Can You Repair a Damaged or Corrupted JPG?

Yes, of course. There are many methods to get the corrupted JPG/JPEG image back to normal. But before attempting those methods, you should know what might have caused the corruption. The common factors are summarized below:

  • Interrupted File Transfers – Network disruptions or abrupt shutdowns during file transfer can lead to corruption.
  • Bad Sectors on Storage Devices – If your hard drive or memory card has bad sectors, it may affect the integrity of stored files.
  • Malware or Viruses – Certain malware can corrupt files, making them unreadable.
  • File System Errors – Errors in your storage device’s file system can lead to JPG corruption.
  • Incomplete Downloads – If a file download is interrupted, the JPG may become unusable.
  • Software Glitches – Faulty editing software or conversion tools can cause image corruption.

Part 2: Methods to Repair Corrupted JPG Images

Method 1. Try Opening the File in a Different Viewer

Sometimes, the issue is not with the file itself but with the software you’re using. Try opening the JPG file with different image viewers, such as: Windows Photos and Adobe Photoshop. If the image opens correctly in another program, consider reinstalling or updating the original software.

Method 2. Change the JPG File Format

If a JPG file refuses to open, try converting it to another format like PNG, BMP, or TIFF using an online converter or image editing software. You can open the corrupted JPG in an image editor, then save the file as a different format. Finally, try to open it.

Method 3. Use Built-in Windows Tools

If your JPG files are stored on a corrupted drive, run the Windows CHKDSK utility to correct any error which might cause the JPG corruption. Before running the CHKDSK utility, it is recommended to back up the JPG files to an external drive.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Step 2: Type chkdsk /r /f X: (Replace X with the correct drive letter).

run CHKDSK

Step 3: Press Enter and let Windows fix any disk errors.

Step 4: Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. Wait for the process to complete and check if the file opens afterward.

run SFC

Method 4. Recover JPG from Backup or Previous Versions

If you have a backup of your image, you can restore it:

Windows Backup: If you use Windows Backup, navigate to your backup and restore the original file.

File History: Right-click the corrupted file, select “Restore previous versions,” and choose a backup version.

Cloud Storage: If your JPG was stored on Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, check for older versions.

Method 5. Repair JPG with Online Tools

Several online services specialize in fixing corrupted JPG files, such as JPEG Recovery (https://www.jpeg-repair.org/). You can upload the corrupted JPG image and let the tool attempt a repair.

repair JPG with online tool

Method 6. Use Specialized JPG Repair Software

If online tools don’t work, try dedicated JPG repair software like iSunshare XRepair Genius. This All-in-one repair toolkit can help repair corrupted images and recover the missing data on your images. iSunshare XRepair Genius works to restore your JPG/JPEG/PNG/GIF/BMP images while retaining the original quality.

XRepair Genius boxshot

iSunshare Reliable File Repair Software

  • Safely repair damaged or corrupted JPG images in clicks
  • Allows to upload multiple images at once to repair
  • Supports JPEG, PNG, JPG, BMP, and GIF formats.
  • Works with images taken from any device

You can follow the steps to repair the corrupted JPG file:

Step 1: Download, install and open the software on your computer. Then hit the Photo Repair tab and click the Add Picture button to import your corrupted JPG image files.

click Add Picture

Step 2: You can add one or more JPG files into the software. After that, hit the Repair button.

click Repair

Step 3: Soon, the repair process ends. Hit the OK button to check the result.

Repair completed prompt

Step 4: For the successfully repair JPG image, you can preview and save it on your local folder.

preview or save repaired JPG image

If one or more JPG image files failed to repair, you can hit the Advanced Repair to repair the seriously damaged JPG files. It always asks you to add a sample file to repair. In minutes, the JPG file will be repaired and you can preview and save it.

Advanced repair mode

Method 7. Hex Editor Repair (Advanced Users)

If the JPG file has a damaged header, you can attempt to repair it using a hex editor such as HxD or Hex Editor Neo. This requires knowledge of JPG file structure and involves copying header data from a working file and pasting it into the corrupted file.

FAQs about Corrupted JPG File Repair

1. Can I repair a JPG file for free?

Yes, many free tools like IrfanView, GIMP, and online repair services can fix minor corruption issues.

2. What if my JPG file is completely black or blank?

This usually indicates header corruption. Try using specialized repair software or a hex editor to fix it.

3. Can I repair a corrupted JPG file on my iPhone?

Yes, you can transfer the photo from your iPhone to the computer and then try above methods to get it repaired.

4. Is it possible to fix a half-grey JPG file and how to do it?

Yes, you can repair a half-grey JPG image easily. iSunshare XRepair Genius is the best helper to solve this issue.

5. Can’t open a JPG image on Windows 10, how to fix?

There might be some errors that cause the JPG image cannot be opened. You can run the sfc /scannow command to have a check. Or iSunshare XRepair Genius can help fix the unopenable JPG images in minutes.

Conclusion

A corrupted JPG file can be frustrating, but you can often restore it successfully with the right tools and techniques. With the above methods, you can recover your precious images and memories with patience and the right approach.

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