Not Implemented error while opening photos on Windows 11

For some users, Windows 11/10 displays the Not implemented error while opening photos on their computer. This problem can occur due to corrupt system image files or a conflicting background application. If you cannot open photos on your Windows 11 computer due to this error, use the fixes provided in this article.

Not implemented error while opening photos on Windows 11/10

Use the following fixes if you encounter the Not implemented error while opening photos on Windows 11/10. Before proceeding, restart Windows Explorer and see if it helps. Open the Task Manager and locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab. Right-click on it and select Restart.

1. Repair your system image files
2. Check the issue in the Clean Boot state
3. Uninstall Windows Update (if applicable)
4. Check the default app settings
5. Switch to the Photos Legacy app
6. Create a new User profile
7. Repair or reset the Photos app
8. Restore your system

All these fixes are explained in detail below:

1] Repair your system image files

Your system might have corrupt system image files which are causing this error. Run the System File Checker and DISM tools to repair the corrupt system image files. The scan will take some time. Do not interrupt the scan.

2] Check the issue in a Clean Boot state

The error might be occurring due to a third-party background application or service. To check this, enter the Clean Boot state and open a photo. If the error does not occur this time, you need to find out the problematic third-party background application or service. To do so, enable some of the disabled applications and restart your computer. Now, check if the issue occurs. When the error reappears, one of the applications you have just enabled is causing this problem. Similarly, you can find out the conflicting third-party services.

Be careful while disabling the services to enter the Clean Boot state, as disabling all the services will put you in trouble.

3] Uninstall Windows Update (if applicable)

Sometimes, Windows Update causes problems. Some users reported that the error started occurring after installing a Windows Update. In such cases, you can uninstall a Windows Update.

4] Check the default app settings

Windows 11 allows you to set a default app to open different files. When you uninstall an app set as default for a particular file, Windows 11 shows a message to select another app when you open the same file the next time. However, in some cases, an error may occur. This can be the case with you. Check the default app for image files. Follow these steps:

1. Open Windows 11 Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Default apps > Photos.
3. Now, scroll down the list of file name extensions and select the Photos app for common image file name extensions, such as PNG, JPG, etc.

5] Switch to the Photos Legacy app

You can install the Photos Legacy app and set it as the default app for your photos. The app is available on the Microsoft Store. You can also install it through the Photos app.

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Click on the gear-shaped icon on the top right side to open its settings.
3. Scroll down and click Get Photos Legacy. This will open the page to install the Photos Legacy app in the Microsoft Store.

After installing the Photos Legacy app, right-click on the photo and select Open with > Photos Legacy. If the error does not occur, set the Photos Legacy app as a default app to open your photos on Windows 11.

6] Create a new user profile

Sometimes, problems are associated with a particular user profile on Windows 11. Create a new local user profile. You can convert it into an administrator account later. Now, sign out of your current user profile and sign into the new user profile. Open any image and see if the error occurs. If not, you can keep using the new user profile and delete the old one. Many free tools allow you to transfer your data from one profile to another on Windows 11.

7] Repair or reset the Photos app

You can also repair or reset the Photos app. Open Windows 11 Settings and go to Apps > Installed Apps. Locate the Photos app, right-click on the three dots next to it, and select Advanced Options. Now, scroll down and click Repair. If this does not work, click Reset.

8] Restore your system

If the issue persists, restore your system to the previous working state. To perform a system restore, restore points should exist on your system.

That’s it. I hope this helps.

How do I fix the Photos app not working on Windows 11?

If the Photos app is not working or keeps crashing on your Windows 11 computer, repair the Photos app. If this does not work, reset it. You can also try clearing the Microsoft Store cache or reinstalling the Photos app.

How do I enable Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 11?

Microsoft Photos app is the Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 11. It is pre-installed on all Windows 11 devices. However, you can install it from the Microsoft Store if you do not find it.

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