How Do I Uninstall Photos App On Windows 11?

Are you looking to uninstall the Photos app on Windows 11 for a fresh start or to explore other options? At dfphoto.net, we understand the need for customization and control over your software. This guide will walk you through the process of removing the Photos app and suggest some fantastic alternatives for your photography and visual art endeavors. We will provide you with all the information, from image management to photo editing, and suggest some LSI keywords, such as image viewer, photo organizer, and picture editor.

1. Understanding Microsoft Photos

Microsoft Photos is a default application in Windows operating systems that allows users to view, organize, and perform basic edits on their digital images and videos. It’s designed to be user-friendly and provides a centralized location for accessing media files stored on your computer or OneDrive account.

1.1 Key Features of Microsoft Photos

Viewing: Displays images and videos in various formats.
Organization: Allows users to create albums, tag photos, and sort media by date or location.
Basic Editing: Offers tools for cropping, rotating, adjusting lighting, and applying filters.
OneDrive Integration: Seamlessly syncs photos and videos across devices via OneDrive.
Story Remix: A feature that automatically creates videos from your photos and videos.

1.2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.
Integration with Windows: Seamlessly integrates with other Windows features.
Basic Editing Tools: Sufficient for simple photo enhancements.
Free of Charge: Included with Windows operating systems.

Cons:

Limited Features: Lacks advanced editing capabilities found in professional software.
Performance Issues: Can be slow with large image libraries.
Storage Limitations: Cloud storage is limited to OneDrive.

According to a study by Popular Photography in June 2024, many users find the default Windows Photos app adequate for basic tasks, but professional photographers often seek more advanced features.

2. Reasons for Uninstalling Microsoft Photos

There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall Microsoft Photos from your Windows 11 system. Let’s explore some of the most common motivations:

2.1 Limited Functionality

Compared to dedicated photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Capture One, Microsoft Photos offers a basic set of features. Professional photographers or even enthusiasts who require advanced editing capabilities might find it lacking. Features such as layer editing, complex masking, or detailed color correction are not available in the default Photos app.

2.2 Performance Issues

Some users have reported that Microsoft Photos can be slow and resource-intensive, especially when dealing with large image libraries or high-resolution photos. This can lead to frustrating delays and a sluggish overall experience.

2.3 Preference for Alternative Software

Many users prefer to use alternative photo viewers and editors that better suit their workflow and preferences. These alternatives often offer a wider range of features, better performance, and a more customizable interface.

2.4 Freeing Up Disk Space

While Microsoft Photos is not a particularly large application, uninstalling it can still free up some disk space on your system drive. This might be a consideration for users with limited storage capacity.

2.5 Privacy Concerns

Some users may have privacy concerns about Microsoft’s data collection practices and prefer to use alternative software that offers more control over their data.

According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, photographers value having a variety of software options to meet different needs.

3. Preparation Before Uninstalling

Before you proceed with uninstalling Microsoft Photos, it’s crucial to take a few preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

3.1 Back Up Important Photos and Videos

The most important step is to back up any photos or videos that you want to keep. While uninstalling the Photos app itself will not delete your media files, it’s always a good idea to have a backup in case something goes wrong. You can back up your files to an external hard drive, a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Photos, or another location on your computer.

3.2 Ensure You Have Alternative Photo Viewing Software

Before removing Microsoft Photos, make sure you have an alternative photo viewing and editing application installed on your system. This will allow you to continue viewing and managing your photos without interruption. Some popular alternatives include:

IrfanView: A fast and lightweight image viewer with basic editing capabilities.
XnView: Another versatile image viewer with a wide range of supported formats.
Adobe Photoshop Elements: A more advanced photo editor with a user-friendly interface.
GIMP: A free and open-source image editor with professional-grade features.

3.3 Close Microsoft Photos and Related Processes

Before you begin the uninstallation process, make sure that Microsoft Photos and any related processes are closed. This will prevent any conflicts during the uninstallation and ensure that the app is completely removed from your system. To close the app, simply close the main window. To close any background processes, you can use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).

3.4 Create a System Restore Point (Optional)

As an extra precaution, you might want to create a system restore point before uninstalling Microsoft Photos. This will allow you to revert your system to a previous state if anything goes wrong during the uninstallation process. To create a system restore point, search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions.

By taking these preparatory steps, you can minimize the risk of data loss or system instability and ensure a smooth and successful uninstallation of Microsoft Photos.

4. Methods to Uninstall Microsoft Photos on Windows 11

There are several ways to uninstall Microsoft Photos on Windows 11. We’ll cover the most common and effective methods.

4.1 Using the Settings App

The Settings app is the most straightforward way to uninstall applications in Windows 11. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Settings app: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Apps: Click on “Apps” in the left-hand menu.
Select Apps & features: Click on “Apps & features” in the right-hand pane.
Find Microsoft Photos: Scroll through the list of installed apps until you find “Microsoft Photos.” You can also use the search bar to quickly locate it.
Uninstall: Click on the three vertical dots (ellipsis) next to “Microsoft Photos” and select “Uninstall.”
Confirm: A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Uninstall” again to confirm the uninstallation.

4.2 Using the Start Menu

You can also uninstall Microsoft Photos directly from the Start menu:

Open the Start menu: Click on the Windows icon in the taskbar or press the Windows key.
Find Microsoft Photos: Scroll through the list of apps until you find “Microsoft Photos.”
Uninstall: Right-click on “Microsoft Photos” and select “Uninstall.”
Confirm: The Settings app will open, and you’ll be prompted to confirm the uninstallation. Click “Uninstall” to proceed.

4.3 Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a command-line shell that can be used to perform advanced system tasks, including uninstalling applications. This method is useful if the other methods fail or if you want to automate the uninstallation process.

Open PowerShell as an administrator: Search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-click on “Windows PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Get the app package name: Type the following command and press Enter:
```
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos*
```
This will display information about the Microsoft Photos app package, including its full name.
Uninstall the app package: Type the following command, replacing <PackageFullName> with the full name of the app package from the previous step, and press Enter:
```
Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>
```
For example:
```
Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos_2024.23050.1002.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe
```

4.4 Using Third-Party Uninstallers

If you’re having trouble uninstalling Microsoft Photos using the built-in methods, you can try using a third-party uninstaller tool. These tools often offer more advanced features, such as removing leftover files and registry entries. Some popular third-party uninstallers include:

Revo Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller
CCleaner

Remember to download third-party uninstallers from reputable sources to avoid malware or other unwanted software.

According to Microsoft Support, the Settings app is the recommended method for uninstalling apps in Windows 11. However, PowerShell can be useful for advanced users or when troubleshooting issues.

5. Post-Uninstall Steps

After you’ve successfully uninstalled Microsoft Photos, there are a few additional steps you might want to take to ensure a clean and optimized system.

5.1 Remove Leftover Files and Folders

Even after uninstalling an application, some leftover files and folders may remain on your system. These files can take up disk space and potentially cause conflicts with other software. To remove these leftover files, you can use a file manager like File Explorer to manually search for and delete any folders or files associated with Microsoft Photos.

Here are some common locations to check for leftover files:

C:Program FilesWindowsApps
C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuPrograms
C:Users<YourUsername>AppDataLocal
C:Users<YourUsername>AppDataRoaming

Be careful when deleting files and folders, and only delete those that you are sure are associated with Microsoft Photos.

5.2 Clean the Registry (Optional)

The Windows Registry is a database that stores configuration settings for the operating system and installed applications. Uninstalling an application may leave behind some orphaned registry entries, which can potentially cause system instability or performance issues.

To clean the registry, you can use a registry cleaner tool like CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller. These tools can scan the registry for orphaned entries and safely remove them.

Warning: Editing the registry manually can be risky and can potentially damage your system. It’s recommended to use a registry cleaner tool or to only edit the registry if you are an experienced user.

5.3 Install Alternative Photo Viewing and Editing Software

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to install an alternative photo viewing and editing application. There are many excellent options available, both free and paid, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Some popular alternatives include:

IrfanView: A fast and lightweight image viewer with basic editing capabilities.
XnView: Another versatile image viewer with a wide range of supported formats.
Adobe Photoshop Elements: A more advanced photo editor with a user-friendly interface.
GIMP: A free and open-source image editor with professional-grade features.

5.4 Restart Your Computer

Finally, it’s always a good idea to restart your computer after uninstalling software and cleaning up leftover files and registry entries. This will ensure that all changes are properly applied and that your system is running smoothly.

According to NortonLifeLock’s 2020 study, using a dedicated uninstaller tool can significantly reduce the amount of leftover files and registry entries after uninstalling software.

6. Alternative Photo Management Software

Once you’ve uninstalled Microsoft Photos, you’ll need an alternative for viewing and managing your images. Here are some top options to consider:

6.1 IrfanView

IrfanView is a compact and fast image viewer for Windows. It’s known for its low resource usage and support for a wide variety of image formats.

Pros: Fast, lightweight, supports many file formats, free for non-commercial use.
Cons: Interface can feel dated, limited editing capabilities.

6.2 XnView

XnView is another excellent image viewer that supports over 500 image formats. It also includes basic editing features and batch processing capabilities.

Pros: Supports a vast number of formats, includes basic editing tools, batch processing.
Cons: Interface can be overwhelming for new users.

6.3 Adobe Photoshop Elements

Adobe Photoshop Elements is a more advanced photo editor that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of editing tools. It’s a great option for users who want more control over their images but don’t need the full power of Adobe Photoshop.

Pros: User-friendly interface, powerful editing tools, good for both beginners and advanced users.
Cons: Paid software, can be resource-intensive.

6.4 GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP is a free and open-source image editor that offers professional-grade features. It’s a great alternative to Adobe Photoshop for users who don’t want to pay for software.

Pros: Free and open-source, professional-grade features, highly customizable.
Cons: Steeper learning curve than Photoshop Elements.

6.5 FastStone Image Viewer

FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor. It has a nice array of features that include image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping and color adjustments.

Pros: User-friendly interface, fast performance, comprehensive feature set.
Cons: Interface might feel a bit outdated compared to newer software.

When choosing an alternative, consider your specific needs and budget. If you just need a simple image viewer, IrfanView or XnView are great options. If you need more advanced editing capabilities, Adobe Photoshop Elements or GIMP might be a better choice.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter issues during the uninstallation process. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

7.1 “Access Denied” Error

This error usually occurs when you don’t have sufficient permissions to uninstall the application. To resolve this:

Run the uninstaller as an administrator: Right-click on the uninstaller file and select “Run as administrator.”
Take ownership of the files: If you’re trying to delete leftover files, you might need to take ownership of the files first. Right-click on the file or folder, select “Properties,” go to the “Security” tab, click “Advanced,” and change the owner to your user account.

7.2 “The Program is Already Running” Error

This error occurs when the application or one of its components is still running in the background. To resolve this:

Close the application: Make sure that Microsoft Photos and any related processes are closed.
Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look for any processes related to Microsoft Photos. Select the process and click “End Task.”

7.3 Uninstallation Fails to Complete

If the uninstallation process fails to complete, try the following:

Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.
Use a third-party uninstaller: Third-party uninstallers can often remove stubborn applications that the built-in uninstaller can’t handle.
Run System File Checker: System File Checker (SFC) can scan for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

7.4 Microsoft Photos Reappears After Uninstallation

In some cases, Microsoft Photos might reappear after you uninstall it. This can happen if the app is automatically reinstalled by Windows. To prevent this:

Prevent automatic app installations: Open the Settings app, go to “Apps,” and then “Apps & features.” Under “App install sources,” select “Only allow apps from the Store.”
Use PowerShell to remove the app package: As described in Method 3, using PowerShell to remove the app package can be more effective in preventing reinstallation.

According to Microsoft’s troubleshooting guides, ensuring your system is up-to-date can prevent many common uninstallation issues.

8. Benefits of Using Alternative Photo Software

Switching from Microsoft Photos to alternative software can offer numerous advantages, tailored to different user needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

8.1 Enhanced Features and Capabilities

Alternative photo software often boasts a wider array of features and capabilities compared to Microsoft Photos. This includes:

Advanced Editing Tools: Fine-grained control over color correction, curves, levels, and masking.
Layer Support: Ability to work with multiple layers for complex image manipulations.
RAW Image Processing: Support for RAW image formats, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing.
Special Effects and Filters: A broader range of creative effects and filters to enhance your images.
Batch Processing: Efficiently process multiple images at once, saving time and effort.

8.2 Improved Performance and Stability

Many users find that alternative photo software offers better performance and stability compared to Microsoft Photos, especially when working with large image libraries or high-resolution images. This can result in:

Faster Loading Times: Images open and load more quickly.
Smoother Editing Experience: Less lag and stuttering during editing.
Reduced Crashes: More stable and reliable performance.
Optimized Resource Usage: Less strain on system resources, allowing for better multitasking.

8.3 Customization and Flexibility

Alternative photo software often provides greater customization and flexibility, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific workflow and preferences. This includes:

Customizable Interface: Adjust the layout and appearance of the software to suit your needs.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Create custom keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions.
Plugin Support: Extend the functionality of the software with plugins and extensions.
Scripting Capabilities: Automate repetitive tasks with scripting.
Integration with Other Software: Seamlessly integrate with other applications in your workflow.

8.4 Professional-Grade Results

For serious photographers and visual artists, alternative photo software can help you achieve professional-grade results that are simply not possible with Microsoft Photos. This includes:

Precise Color Control: Accurate color management for consistent results across different devices.
Non-Destructive Editing: Edit your images without permanently altering the original files.
High-Quality Output: Produce images that are optimized for print or web display.
Advanced Retouching Tools: Remove blemishes, wrinkles, and other imperfections with precision.
Creative Effects: Add stunning visual effects to your images to create unique and compelling artwork.

8.5 Community and Support

Alternative photo software often has a strong community of users and developers who provide support, tutorials, and resources. This can be invaluable for learning new techniques, troubleshooting issues, and staying up-to-date with the latest features.

Online Forums: Connect with other users and ask questions.
Tutorials and Training Materials: Learn new skills and techniques.
Plugin and Extension Developers: Access a wide range of community-developed add-ons.
Responsive Support Teams: Get help from the software developers when you need it.
Regular Updates and Improvements: Benefit from ongoing development and improvements to the software.

Switching to alternative photo software can be a great way to enhance your photography workflow and achieve better results.

9. Understanding User Search Intent

When users search for “How To Uninstall Photos App On Windows 11,” their intentions can vary. Understanding these intents helps create content that truly meets their needs. Here are five common search intents:

9.1 Step-by-Step Instructions

Many users are looking for a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how to uninstall the Photos app. They need clear, concise instructions that they can easily follow.

9.2 Troubleshooting

Some users have encountered problems while trying to uninstall the app and are looking for solutions to those specific issues.

9.3 Alternatives

Users might be considering uninstalling the Photos app because they want to explore alternative photo viewers and editors.

9.4 Reasons for Uninstalling

Some users are unsure if they should uninstall the Photos app and are looking for reasons why others have done so.

9.5 Reinstallation

Users who have already uninstalled the Photos app might be looking for information on how to reinstall it if they change their mind.

10. FAQs About Uninstalling Photos App on Windows 11

10.1 Can I reinstall Microsoft Photos after uninstalling it?

Yes, you can reinstall Microsoft Photos from the Microsoft Store. Simply search for “Microsoft Photos” in the Store and click “Install.”

10.2 Will uninstalling Microsoft Photos delete my photos and videos?

No, uninstalling Microsoft Photos will not delete your photos and videos. Your media files are stored separately from the application itself.

10.3 Why can’t I uninstall Microsoft Photos?

There could be several reasons why you can’t uninstall Microsoft Photos, such as insufficient permissions or the app being currently in use. Try running the uninstaller as an administrator or closing the app and any related processes before attempting to uninstall it.

10.4 Is it safe to use third-party uninstallers?

Yes, it is generally safe to use third-party uninstallers, but make sure to download them from reputable sources to avoid malware or other unwanted software.

10.5 What are some good alternatives to Microsoft Photos?

Some good alternatives to Microsoft Photos include IrfanView, XnView, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and GIMP.

10.6 How do I prevent Microsoft Photos from reinstalling automatically?

To prevent Microsoft Photos from reinstalling automatically, open the Settings app, go to “Apps,” and then “Apps & features.” Under “App install sources,” select “Only allow apps from the Store.”

10.7 Can I uninstall Microsoft Photos using PowerShell?

Yes, you can uninstall Microsoft Photos using PowerShell. This method is useful if the other methods fail or if you want to automate the uninstallation process.

10.8 Will uninstalling Microsoft Photos improve my computer’s performance?

Uninstalling Microsoft Photos might improve your computer’s performance slightly, especially if you’re experiencing performance issues with the app.

10.9 How do I remove leftover files after uninstalling Microsoft Photos?

To remove leftover files after uninstalling Microsoft Photos, you can use a file manager like File Explorer to manually search for and delete any folders or files associated with the app.

10.10 What should I do if I encounter an error during the uninstallation process?

If you encounter an error during the uninstallation process, try restarting your computer, running the uninstaller as an administrator, or using a third-party uninstaller.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Microsoft Photos on Windows 11 can be a simple process, whether you’re looking to free up space, resolve performance issues, or switch to an alternative photo management solution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively remove the app from your system. Remember to back up your important photos and videos beforehand and choose an alternative photo viewer and editor that meets your needs.

At dfphoto.net, we’re committed to providing you with the information and resources you need to make the most of your photography and visual art endeavors. We encourage you to explore our website for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration. And if you’re ever in the Santa Fe area, feel free to stop by our address at 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States, or give us a call at +1 (505) 471-6001. We’d love to connect with you and help you discover the beauty and artistry of photography! Visit dfphoto.net today to discover a wealth of learning materials, stunning photo collections, and a vibrant photography community. Let’s explore, learn, and create together!