Dealing with the Dreaded Windows Photo Viewer Can't Display This Picture Error on Windows 7

Introduction

For those who still have an old Windows 7 system running, Windows Photo Viewer used to be the go-to application for quickly viewing images. However, many users have encountered the infamous "Windows Photo Viewer can't display this picture" error for various reasons. In this post, we'll dive into the causes behind this issue and provide several potential solutions to rectify the problem.

Common Reasons Behind the "Windows Photo Viewer Can't Display This Picture" Error

There could be multiple reasons behind the error message that read "Windows Photo Viewer can't display this picture." Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Unsupported File Formats

2. Missing or Corrupted Thumbnail Cache

3. System and Software Issues

Let's dig into each of these causes and explore potential solutions.

Unsupported File Formats

One of the most common reasons for the "Windows Photo Viewer can't display this picture" error is when the file format you are trying to open is not supported by the application. The Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 7 supports common image formats such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and BMP. However, newer formats like WEBP and HEIF may not be supported, causing issues.

Solution:You can convert the unsupported image file format into a supported one using online tools or dedicated image-editing software. Alternatively, try using another image viewer program that is compatible with the file format, such as IrfanView, FastStone Image Viewer, or XnView.

Missing or Corrupted Thumbnail Cache

Another leading cause of the issue is a corrupted or missing thumbnail cache. The thumbnail cache stores smaller versions of the images to speed up loading times when browsing through a folder containing images. However, when these files become damaged, Windows Photo Viewer has difficulty displaying the image correctly.

Solution:You can try rebuilding the thumbnail cache using the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, type "disk cleanup" in the search bar, and click on "Disk Cleanup" in the results.

2. Select the drive where the images are stored (usually the C:\ drive) and click "OK."

3. In the Disk Cleanup window, check the box next to "Thumbnails" and click "OK" to start the cleanup process.

4. Once the cleanup is complete, restart your computer and try opening the image again in Windows Photo Viewer.

System and Software Issues

Sometimes, the error might occur due to a hardware issue, such as low memory or an outdated graphics driver. In other cases, it might be due to software issues like a corrupted Windows Photo Viewer application or system files.

Solutions:

1. Low memory - Closing unnecessary applications or increasing the available system memory can help resolve this issue. If needed, consider upgrading your system's RAM.

2. Outdated Graphics Driver - Update your graphics driver to the latest version. Visit your graphics card manufacturer's official website to download the suitable drivers.

3. Corrupted Windows Photo Viewer or System Files - Running a System File Checker scan can help identify and resolve issues related to corrupted system files. To perform an SFC scan, follow these steps:

a. Click the Start button, type "cmd" in the search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and choose "Run as Administrator."

b. In the Command Prompt window, type "sfc /scannow" without quotes and press Enter.

c. The scan will take some time to complete. Once it's done, restart your computer and try opening the image again in Windows Photo Viewer.

If the issue persists, you may consider using an alternative image viewer or upgrading to a newer operating system like Windows 10 or 11, which come with improved compatibility and performance.

In Summary

While the "Windows Photo Viewer can't display this picture" error might cause frustrations for Windows 7 users, there are plausible explanations behind the issue, and several solutions can help address the problem. By following the suggestions outlined in this post, you can continue enjoying seamless image viewing experiences on your Windows 7 system or decide to look into newer alternatives that cater better to your needs.