Unable to Open JPEG Files in Windows – Quick Fixes

March 13, 2024 jassioli

In today’s digital world, there are multiple image file formats to save your memorable or important photos. Among these file formats, JPEG stands out for its amazing features, especially the balance between image quality and file size. However, sometimes you may encounter issues when you are unable to open JPEG file in Windows device.

Such issues can be frustrating or disruptive but don’t lose hope. There are several methods available that you can apply to fix issues like being unable to open JPEG files in Windows devices. Just go with these methods to resolve the issue and get access to your JPEG files once again.

Why Are You Unable to Open JPEG Files in Windows?

Before delving into methods to fix the inability to open JPEG files on Windows, it’s crucial to understand the potential reasons behind the same. Here are some common reasons for this issue:

File Association Problems: Incorrect file associations may prevent Windows from recognizing JPEG files or opening them with the appropriate application.
Software Incompatibility: Outdated or incompatible image viewers or editors may face problems while opening JPEG files properly.
Corrupted File: Sometimes, your JPEG file itself may be corrupted or damaged which fails to open in any image viewing software.
System Errors: Windows system errors or conflicts with other software may interfere with the normal functioning of JPEG file viewers.

How do I Fix “Can’t Open JPG Files in Windows 10”?

Now that you are familiar with the reasons why issues like being unable to open JPEG files in Windows devices occur, it’s time to apply proper workarounds to fix it. Here are some quick fixes to address these issues and get your JPEG files opening smoothly on Windows.

Method 01: Rename JPEG File

Sometimes wrong file extensions may cause problems while opening the JPEG files on your Windows device. In such cases, renaming a JPEG file can help you to fix the “Unable to open JPEG in Windows 10” issue, although it’s not a guaranteed solution for all cases. For this:

Open the folder where the JPEG image is located. Now, locate and right-click on the JPEG file that you need to rename.
Select the “Rename” option, change the file extension to “.jpg” and press the Enter key to confirm.

Method 02: Reset or Repair Photo Viewer App

If you are still unable to view your JPEG photo in the photo viewer app, then there may be problem with that app itself. In such cases, you can fix the issue by resetting or repairing your photo viewer app. Here’s how you can reset or repair the app on your Windows device:

Press the Windows + I keys to open the Windows Setting app.
Go to the Apps option and select Apps & Features from the left navigation pane.
Scroll down and click on the Microsoft Photos app. Select the Advanced options.
Now, go to the Reset section and click the Reset or Repair option, whatever you find convenient. Go through on-screen instructions and wait till the app gets repaired or reset.

After that, reset your computer and try to open that photo file again. If you are not able to open JPEG files in Windows device, move to the next workaround.

Method 03: Set Your Photo Viewer App as Default

Setting your photo viewer app as the default in Windows ensures that all image files, including JPEG photos, will open automatically when you double-click on it. This not only saves your time and effort but also customizes your photo preferences and offers seamless integration. Go through the below-given steps to set your photo viewer app as the default in Windows:

Type CP in the search box of your desktop and launch Control Panel.
Now, tap “Default Programs” and then click on the “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” option to open it.
Choose the existing photo viewer app that you want to set as default from the list of applications that appear.
Try reopening your JPEG photo and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 04: Update the Photo Viewer App

Instances may occur when the installed version of the photo viewer app on your Windows device is outdated. This may cause problem while opening the photos on your device and even corrupt or lead to automatic deletion. To avoid such instances, you must check and ensure that the Photo Viewer app is up-to-date. If not, follow the below steps to update it:

Launch the Settings app, and go to Update and Security.
Now, click the Check for Updates button located under Windows Update.
If any update for your Photo app is available, it will appear on your screen. Click the Install Updates option to install the update for your app.
Wait till the process gets completed. After that, restart your Windows device and check the updated app to open your JPEG files.

Method 05: Repair Photos Using Stellar Repair for Photo

If none of the above methods to fix the Unable to open JPEG in Windows 10 devices helps you, then there may be issue with your image file itself. In such cases, you can repair your corrupt or damaged photos using a professional photo repair software. Stellar Repair for Photo is an all-in-one tool to repair your corrupt or damaged image files stored on any internal or external storage device. This professional photo repair software can fix your corrupt image files of multiple formats, including JPEG, JPG, PNG, RAW, RAF, TIFF, and many more.

The Stellar Repair for Photo tool can easily fix your damaged, pixelated, distorted, disoriented, greyed-out, and corrupted JPEG images in three simple clicks. Let’s explore how to fix Unable to open JPEG files in Windows devices by repairing it using the Stellar Repair for Photo tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Photo tool on your device. Launch the software and from the homepage, click Add File to upload the JPEG image that you need to repair.

Step 2: Click Repair and wait till the repairing process is completed.

Step 3: Click the Save Repaired Files button to save repaired photos at the desired location.

Conclusion

If you are unable to open JPEG files in Windows devices, go with the above-mentioned methods to fix the issue. By following the quick fixes outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot common problems related to your JPEG image files, such as file associations, software compatibility, file corruption, and system errors. Remember to stay proactive and keep the photo viewing or editing software installed on your Windows device up to date to minimize the chances of encountering such issues in the future.