Recently, a number of Windows 11 users have reported issues with the built-in Photos app. Some users are unable to launch the app, while others are stuck on a screen displaying a spinning circle followed by the message, "Access Denied error on Process Exit." Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a permanent fix. In the meantime, the company has shared a temporary workaround for users of Windows 11 22H2 and Windows 23H2 versions.
Temporary Fix for Microsoft Photos App
The catch with the temporary fix is that it will only work for devices that have turned on the "Prevent non-admin users from installing packaged Windows app" setting or have enabled the "BlockNonAdminUserInstall Configuration service provider." According to Microsoft, this problem is less likely to affect users running Windows 11 Home, as these policies are not typically enabled on those systems.
How To Fix Microsoft Photos App On Windows 11:
- Go to the Microsoft website and search for the latest WinAppSDK.
- Once the page opens on your system, you will see options to download the package for x64, x86, and ARM-based systems.
- Choose the appropriate version for your system. In most cases, the x64 version works for modern laptops launched in the past few years. You might need to download the x86 installer if your system is older.
- When the file is downloaded, right-click on it and select the option "Run as administrator." A command prompt window will appear on your screen.
- Wait for some time; the command prompt window will close by itself, indicating that the installation has been completed.
While this temporary fix may not be ideal, it provides a stopgap solution for those affected by the issue. Users are advised to follow these steps carefully to restore functionality to their Photos app until Microsoft releases a permanent fix.
