windows 10 windows photo viewer installer

Windows Photo Viewer Installer: How to Get It Back on Windows 10

Windows Photo Viewer, once a popular built-in photo viewer in Windows systems since Windows XP, has been discontinued by Microsoft. In its place, the Photos app now handles photo viewing duties. However, many users miss the simplicity and familiarity of the classic Windows Photo Viewer. If you're one of them, this article will guide you on how to get it back on your Windows 10 system.

The Rise and Fall of Windows Photo Viewer

Initially, the photo viewing app was called Windows Picture and Fax Viewer. Later, Microsoft renamed it to Windows Photo Viewer. It gained popularity as the best image viewer in Windows 7 and has remained a favorite among users ever since. However, with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft officially removed the Windows Photo Viewer, no longer supporting it.

The Current Situation

In Windows 10, you won't find Windows Photo Viewer by default. The Photos app is now used for photo viewing, which might be less intuitive or lacking features compared to the classic Windows Photo Viewer. Some users prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the older viewer over the newer app.

Restoring Windows Photo Viewer

While Microsoft no longer supports the classic Windows Photo Viewer, there are several methods and tools available that can help you restore it on your Windows 10 system. These include modifying registry entries, adding it back to the system using dedicated tools, or re-associating file types.

Some caution is advised when using these methods, as their reliability and compatibility with newer Windows updates may vary. Additionally, some users might find the Photos app less intuitive or lacking features they previously used in Windows Photo Viewer.

Alternatives

If you're unable to restore the classic Windows Photo Viewer, alternative lightweight image viewers like IrfanView or XnViewMP offer similar functionalities and ease of use. However, their reliability and compatibility can vary, so be cautious when using these tools.

In conclusion, while Microsoft no longer supports the classic Windows Photo Viewer, there are ways to restore it on your Windows 10 system. Whether you prefer its simplicity and familiarity or want to retain its functionality, this article has provided you with various methods to get it back. If you're still unsure about how to proceed, feel free to explore the links mentioned in the article for more guidance.

Windows 10 windows photo viewer installer