How To Fix Cannot Open JPG File on Windows 11/10

Cannot open a JPG file on Windows? Unable to view the JPEG file in the Windows Photos app? Well, it’s a pretty common issue that you may face after upgrading your device. If you see the “This app didn’t start” error message as soon as you try opening a JPG file on Windows, the probable set of causes that may trigger this issue include:

• Corrupt JPG file.
• Outdated Windows Photos app.
• A flaw in Windows update.
• Interference of a third-party app.
• System malfunction.
• Presence of virus or malware.

In this post, we have listed a few solutions that will allow you to fix the “Cannot open JPG file” issue on Windows devices.

Let’s get started.

Also read: How To Convert JPG To PNG Using Image Resizer In Windows 10 PC?

How to Fix the “Unable to Open JPEG File” Issue on Windows?

1. Rename the File

An incorrect file extension can be one major cause that may not allow you to access the JPG file on your device. Renaming the JPG/JPEG file can help you in fixing the issue. Here’s what you need to do:

Select the JPG file that you are unable to open, right-click on it and tap on the “Rename” option. Now rename the JPG file and accurately use .jpg as the file extension before you save it.

After renaming the file, try to view it using the Windows Photos app to check whether you’re still facing any issues.

2. Update Windows Photo App

Windows Photo app is the default photo-viewer app on your device. If the app is outdated or corrupt, you may not be able to view any files and also encounter several other issues. Updating the latest version of the app will allow you to deal with errors, bugs, and technical glitches.

To update the Windows Photo Viewer app, you will have to update the OS as it is one of the default applications that comes loaded with the update itself.

Tap on the Windows icon, select Settings. Tap on the “Update and Security” category.

Hit the “Check for Updates” button and wait for a few seconds to see if any latest update is available for your device.

If yes, update your device right away and install the latest Windows version on your machine.

And alternatively, to update the Photos app, you will have to head to the Microsoft App Store.

Launch the App Store, tap on the three-dots icon placed on the top right corner, select “Downloads and updates”.

In the list of “Available Updates” check if you see the Photos app. If an update is available, update the latest version of the Windows Photos app on your device.

Also read: How to Convert PDF to JPG on a Mac

3. Run the SFC Scan

SFC (System File Checker) is a built-in Windows troubleshooter that allows you to scan and fix corrupt system files and settings. SFC tool replaces the corrupt files with a cached copy and allows you to resolve system discrepancies within no time. You can use the SFC command to fix the “Cannot open JPG file” issue on Windows. Follow these quick steps:

Launch the Start menu search, type “Command Prompt”, right-click on it, and select “Run as Administrator”.

Once the Command Prompt opens in admin mode, type the following command and hit Enter.

sfc/scannow

The scanning process may take up a few minutes. Sit back and relax until the SFC tool does the job of fixing corrupt system files and settings. Once the scanning process is completed, reboot your device and then try opening the troubled JPG file again to see if you still experience the same issue.

Also read: SFC Scan Stops Working on Windows 10? Here’s the Fix!

4. Restore Default Photos App

In our next workaround, we will make Windows Photos the default app to view digital images.

Open Settings> Apps. Switch to the “Default apps” section from the left menu pane.

Scroll down and hit on the “Reset” button.

Now set “Windows Photos” as the default photo app on your device.

5. Use an Alternative App to Open the JPG File

If you’re unable to open the JPG file in one app, try considering other alternatives to load the file’s contents. Right-click on the file and select the “Open with” option, pick any other app like Photoshop, Paint, Inkscape, etc. to open the JPG file.

Also read: Best Online PDF To JPG Converter

6. Scan your Device for Virus or Malware

Tried the above-mentioned workarounds and still no luck? Well, there may be a slight possibility that your Windows PC has some traces of malicious errors or bugs. To make sure your device is 100% virus and malware-free, download and install the Systweak Antivirus tool on your PC. Run a quick scan to track the hidden virus and malware threats on your Windows PC.

Conclusion

Here are a few resolutions that you can try to fix the “Cannot open JPG file on Windows” issue. JPG is one of the most widely used image formats across platforms. You can use any of these above-mentioned solutions whenever you get stuck in accessing a JPG file on Windows.

Good luck!