Welcome to our blog! In today’s post, we will walk you through the process of enabling Photo Viewer on Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019. Additionally, we will explore alternative solutions for viewing images on these server versions.
By default, Windows Server 2016 and 2019 do not come with the Photo Viewer application installed. However, with a few simple steps, you can enable this feature and restore its functionality. Let’s get started!
By default, Windows Server 2016 and 2019 do not include the Photo Viewer application. However, you can enable it by following these simple steps. This guide will walk you through the process, including downloading the Microsoft Photos app and setting it as the default image viewer.
Step 1: Download the Microsoft Photos App
The Microsoft Photos app serves as the modern replacement for the classic Photo Viewer application. To install it on Windows Server 2016 or 2019, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows Server machine.
- In the search bar, type “Microsoft Photos” and press Enter.
- Select Microsoft Photos from the search results.
- Click the “Get” button to download and install the application.
Step 2: Enable the App for All Users
By default, the Microsoft Photos app is available only to the user who installed it. To enable it for all users, modify the Windows Registry Editor as follows:
- Open the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in the search box and pressing Enter.
- Navigate to the following registry key:CopyEdit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AppKey\18 - Locate the “ShellExecute” key, right-click it, and select “Modify”.
- In the “Value data” field, enter the following path:makefileCopyEdit
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Windows.Photos_XXXX.XXX.XX.XX_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\Microsoft.Photos.exe” “%1(Replace “XXXX.XXX.XX.XX” with the exact version number of the installed Microsoft Photos app. You can find this by right-clicking the app in the Start menu and selecting More > App settings.) - Click OK to save the changes.
Step 3: Set Microsoft Photos as the Default App
To ensure image files open automatically in Microsoft Photos, follow these steps:
- Right-click any image file (e.g.,
.jpgor.png) and select “Open with” > “Choose another app.” - In the pop-up dialog box, click “More apps.”
- Scroll down and select “Look for another app on this PC.”
- Navigate to:makefileCopyEdit
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Windows.Photos_XXXX.XXX.XX.XX_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\ - Select “Microsoft.Photos.exe” and click Open.
- Check the box labeled “Always use this app to open .xxx files” (where
.xxxis the file extension of your selected image). - Click OK to apply the changes.
Step 4: Test the Microsoft Photos App
After completing the setup, verify that the Microsoft Photos app is working correctly:
- Double-click an image file (e.g.,
.jpgor.png). - The image should now open in Microsoft Photos by default.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues while enabling the Microsoft Photos app, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure that you have installed the correct version of Microsoft Photos. You can check the version number by right-clicking the app in the Start menu and selecting More > App settings.
- Restart your server after modifying the Registry Editor.
- Verify that the app installation was successful by checking for it in the Microsoft Store.
By following these steps, you can successfully enable and use Photo Viewer on Windows Server 2016 and 2019. Let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful!
Windows Server 2016- 2019 Photo Viewer Alternative
Since Windows Server 2016 and 2019 do not include the classic Photo Viewer by default, enabling it requires additional steps. However, if you’re looking for a simpler solution, there are several excellent alternative image viewers available for Windows Server 2016 and 2019.
These third-party applications offer advanced features, better performance, and broader file format support. Below are some of the best alternatives:
- IrfanView – A lightweight, fast image viewer with editing capabilities.
- XnView – Supports multiple image formats and includes batch conversion features.
- FastStone Image Viewer – Offers a user-friendly interface with editing and annotation tools.
- Honeyview – A simple and fast image viewer that supports various formats, including animated images.
- Nomacs – An open-source image viewer with extensive customization options.
Each of these applications provides a reliable alternative to Microsoft Photo Viewer, ensuring a smooth image-viewing experience on Windows Server 2016 and 2019.
Best Photo Viewer Alternatives for Windows Server 2016-2019
Since Windows Server 2016 and 2019 do not include the classic Photo Viewer by default, users may need to rely on alternative image viewer applications. Below are some of the best alternatives, offering enhanced functionality and broader file format support.
1. IrfanView
Lightweight, Fast, and Feature-Rich
IrfanView is a powerful image viewer known for its speed and efficiency. It supports various image formats and includes essential editing tools such as cropping, resizing, and color adjustments. Additionally, it supports plugins for batch processing and advanced file format compatibility.
2. XnView
Handles Over 500 File Formats
XnView is a versatile image viewer capable of opening more than 500 different file types, including RAW camera images. It offers essential editing tools, batch processing, and a portable version for use across multiple devices.
3. FastStone Image Viewer
User-Friendly with Advanced Features
FastStone Image Viewer provides a wide range of editing tools, including image comparison, red-eye removal, and panoramic stitching. It supports multiple file formats and allows batch processing, making it an excellent choice for bulk image management.
4. Nomacs
Open-Source and Customizable
Nomacs is an open-source image viewer with lightweight performance. It supports multi-page TIFF files, includes slideshow functionality, and provides essential editing features like cropping and resizing.
5. Honeyview
Simple, Fast, and Supports Animated Images
Honeyview is a lightweight image viewer that supports a wide range of file formats. It offers features like slideshow mode, animated GIF support, and essential editing functions like cropping and rotating.
Choosing the Best Alternative
Each of these image viewers can be installed on Windows Server 2016 and 2019, offering various levels of customization, editing capabilities, and format support. They can also be set as the default application for opening images, ensuring seamless usability.
If you need a lightweight and fast solution, IrfanView or Honeyview are great choices. For advanced editing features, FastStone Image Viewer and XnView are highly recommended.
While Microsoft Photo Viewer is not available by default on Windows Server 2016 and 2019, these alternatives provide reliable and efficient ways to view and manage images on your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Windows Photo Viewer not available on Windows Server 2016-2019?
Windows Server editions are optimized for enterprise and server environments, and certain consumer-focused applications, such as Windows Photo Viewer, are not included by default. However, you can enable it using registry modifications or use third-party alternatives.
Can I install Windows Photo Viewer on Windows Server 2016-2019?
Yes, you can manually enable Windows Photo Viewer by modifying the Windows Registry. However, this method requires administrative privileges and may not work on all versions.
Are these image viewers free to use?
Yes, most of the recommended alternatives are free for personal use, and some, like Nomacs, are open-source. However, some applications offer paid versions with additional features for professional use.
Is it safe to download and install third-party photo viewers?
Yes, as long as you download them from their official websites or trusted sources. Always verify the software’s legitimacy before installation to avoid security risks.
Do these photo viewers work on Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019?
Yes, all recommended applications are compatible with Windows Server 2016 and 2019. Some may require additional dependencies, but they generally work without issues.
Can I use Microsoft Photos on Windows Server 2016-2019?
While Microsoft Photos is not pre-installed on Windows Server, you may be able to install it via the Microsoft Store or by manually sideloading the app using PowerShell commands.
Do these alternatives support RAW image files?
Yes, applications like XnView, FastStone Image Viewer, and IrfanView support RAW images from various camera brands, making them suitable for professional photography needs.
Conclusion
While Windows Photo Viewer is not available by default on Windows Server 2016-2019, there are several ways to enable it or use alternative image viewers. You can manually enable it through registry modifications, install Microsoft Photos, or opt for third-party applications like IrfanView, XnView, FastStone Image Viewer, Nomacs, and Honeyview.
These alternatives offer better performance, advanced editing tools, and broader format support, making them excellent choices for server environments where viewing and managing images is essential. Most of these applications are lightweight, free, and easy to install, ensuring a smooth user experience.
