If you can’t open PNG files in Windows 11, this guide will help you fix the problem.
Here’s why you might not be able to open PNG files in Windows 11:
For most Windows 11 users, a broken PNG file is the main reason they can’t open them. They might see error messages like “The specified procedure could not be found” or “Sorry, we don’t accept this format.” Alternatively, attempting to open the PNG file might result in no action.
Usually, an interrupted internet download or a file transfer from one location to another causes file corruption. Typically, it’s not your fault.
A malfunctioning operating system or the installation of an incorrect app for viewing images might also prevent a Windows 11 computer from opening PNG files.
Here’s how to Fix PNG files in Windows 11:
Follow these methods to open a PNG file in Windows 11, starting from the easiest and quickest to the more difficult and time-consuming. Usually, the simplest solution works best.
Convert it to another image file type using a tool like convertio to change PNG to JPG.
- Open the PNG file with the correct Windows 11 app. The Photos app that comes with Windows 11, as well as other image editing apps like Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo, should allow you to view your PNG file. Web browsers like Microsoft Edge and Brave can also display PNG files.
Choose a different app to view the PNG file by right-clicking on the file icon and selecting “Open with.” Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file icon into some already open apps.
- Check the PNG file for corruption by opening a different PNG file in Windows 11. This will help determine if the issue lies with the specific file or your computer/app.
Download the PNG image from its source again.
- Download a different version of the image from another website via Google Images or Bing if the initially saved PNG file doesn’t display correctly or refuses to open.
- Save the PNG file directly from the hosting website rather than the search results page, especially for transparent PNG files. Transfer the PNG file to your Windows 11 machine. If opening the file from a disc or flash drive doesn’t work, the disc or drive may be damaged. Copy the file to your computer’s local storage and try opening it from there.
- Update the Photos app in Windows 11 if you’re using it to open PNG files.
- Update Windows 11 to fix potential bugs affecting PNG files.
- Restart Windows 11 to resolve many issues, including those preventing your computer from correctly opening PNG files.
- Use the Windows Fixit tool to troubleshoot problems with PNG files and the Photos app.
- Repair the Photos app by right-clicking its icon, going to App settings, and selecting Repair.
- Reset the Photos app by right-clicking its icon, going to App settings, and selecting Reset. This will reinstall the app as new, potentially fixing issues caused by incorrect settings or preferences. Resetting an app erases personalized settings and changes but shouldn’t affect saved pictures and photos.
- Disable any additional security software or browser add-ons and try downloading the PNG file again. The McAfee Web Advisor browser tool, for instance, has been known to interfere with downloading PNG files in Windows 11.
Uninstall and reinstall the Photos app from Microsoft by right-clicking its icon and choosing “Uninstall,” then downloading it again from the Microsoft Store.
- Do not encrypt photos. Instead, right-click the PNG file icon, select “Advanced,” and uncheck “Encrypt contents to secure data.”
- Change the PNG file’s extension to JPG to see if an app can open the image more effectively. It’s unlikely to help but is easy to try.
- Take a screenshot of the PNG file as a workaround for not being able to open it.
- Adjust how File Explorer displays folders. If a PNG file’s thumbnail doesn’t show the image sample, open the folder in File Explorer, select View from the menu, and choose Medium-sized icons, Large icons, or Extra-large icons. Choosing a smaller size will display PNGs with a blank filename.