Microsoft Photos wont install

Arnel Perez 5 Reputation points
2026-03-17T05:46:17.8466667+00:00

I am unable to install Microsoft photos, it suddenly stopped working. Now when I download it from Microsoft Store I am getting an error download.

Windows for home | Other | Apps

4 answers

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-17T05:46:27.9+00:00

    Try the following steps in order:

    1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
      1. Press Windows key + R.
      2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
      3. A blank Command Prompt window opens; after ~10 seconds it closes and Microsoft Store reopens.
      4. In Store, search for Microsoft Photos and try installing again.
    2. Check common reasons an app cannot be installed If Photos still will not install, one of these may apply:
      • The app is not available in the current country/region.
      • Microsoft family settings are blocking the app (if using a child or family account).
      • The app version is not compatible with the device (Store hides or blocks install on incompatible devices).
      • The PC was recently updated but not restarted; restart Windows and try again.
      • The PC is not authorized for Microsoft Store apps; sign in to Store with a Microsoft account and ensure the device is added to that account.
    3. General Store app troubleshooting If other Store apps also fail to install, follow the broader Store troubleshooting guidance (for example, checking that the device is authorized and that Windows has been restarted after updates) and then retry installing Microsoft Photos.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ramesh Srinivasan 87,525 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-17T06:49:36.6+00:00

    Hi Arnel,

    Please post the error message or the error code when installing Photos.

    See if you can install the Photos app using the following command from Command Prompt (admin).

    winget install 9NV2L4XVMCXM

    If it reports any errors, post the screenshot.

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
  3. Vikki-T 10,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-17T14:49:12.9166667+00:00

    Dear Arnel Perez, 

    I’m sorry to hear that Microsoft Photos suddenly stopped working and that the reinstall is now failing in Microsoft Store. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in both the AI generated answer and the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. Those replies typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

    To help narrow down the issue, could you please share the following details: 

    • What is the exact error code or error message shown when Microsoft Photos fails to install? 
    • Which Windows version and OS build is currently installed? You can check this under Settings > System > About. 
    • Are other Microsoft Store apps installing or updating normally, or is this only happening with Microsoft Photos? 
    • Does Microsoft Photos still appear under Installed apps, or was it already removed completely? 

    In the meantime, please try the steps below: 

    1. Check for Windows updates 
    • Please go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install all pending updates, and then test the installation again.  
    1. Repair or reset the Microsoft Store app 
    • Please go to: Windows 11: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options 
    • Or Windows 10: Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft Store > Advanced options 
    • First select Repair. If the issue continues, select Reset.  
    1. If Microsoft Photos is still listed, repair or reset it as well 
    • If Microsoft Photos still appears in the installed apps list, open its Advanced options and try repair then Reset if needed. 
    1. Run Windows system repair commands 
    • Please open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands one at a time: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow 

    While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

    I hope these steps help resolve the Microsoft Photos installation issue and allow the app to work normally again. Wishing you a smooth experience with Windows and Microsoft Store moving forward. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  4. Gutrath, Karen 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-18T16:10:30.28+00:00

    I tried Ramesh's command but it does not work either

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