Fix File System Errors to Open Photos in Windows 10

If you’re encountering file system errors preventing you from opening photos on your Windows 10 system, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue and regain access to your images. File system errors can occur due to various reasons such as corrupted system files, disk errors, or issues with the photo file formats. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix file system errors effectively.

Check for Disk Errors and Repair Using CHKDSK

The first step in addressing file system errors is to check for and repair any disk errors on your Windows 10 system. This can be done using the built-in CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Right-click on the Start menu and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".

2. Run CHKDSK: In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

   chkdsk C: /f /r

   Replace C: with the drive letter where your photos are stored. The /f parameter fixes errors on the disk, and the /r parameter locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

3. Confirm Disk Check: If prompted to schedule a disk check on the next system restart, type Y (Yes) and press Enter. Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to scan and repair the disk.

4. Check Results: After the disk check completes, restart your computer again and check if you can now open your photos without encountering file system errors.

Repair Corrupted System Files with SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can also cause file system errors and affect the ability to open photos. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair system files:

1. Run SFC Scan:

   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     sfc /scannow

   • Allow the scan to complete. SFC will scan and repair corrupted system files automatically.

2. Run DISM Scan (if needed):

   • In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • DISM will check for component store corruption and repair the Windows image using Windows Update.

3. Restart Your Computer: Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and check if the file system errors affecting photo opening have been resolved.

Update Graphics Drivers and Windows

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can sometimes cause issues with displaying photos or graphics-related file system errors. Ensure your graphics drivers and Windows 10 operating system are up to date:

1. Update Graphics Drivers:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select "Device Manager".
   • Expand the "Display adapters" category, right-click on your graphics card, and select "Update driver".
   • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the on-screen instructions to update your graphics driver.

2. Update Windows 10:

   • Open Settings by pressing Win + I, then go to "Update & Security".
   • Click on "Check for updates" and install any available updates for your Windows 10 system.

3. Restart Your Computer: After updating drivers and Windows, restart your computer to apply the changes. Try opening your photos again to check if the file system errors have been resolved.

Check and Repair Photo File Formats

If specific photo files are still inaccessible or displaying errors, there may be issues with the file formats themselves. Try the following steps to troubleshoot:

1. Open Photos in Different Applications: Use alternative photo viewing applications such as Windows Photos, Adobe Photoshop, or third-party software to attempt opening the files.

2. Convert File Formats: If certain files remain problematic, consider converting them to a different format using image editing software. This can sometimes resolve format-specific issues preventing file access.

3. Restore from Backup: If you have backups of your photos, restore them to see if the original files were corrupted. This can help recover damaged photos without file system errors.

Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software can interfere with file access and cause file system errors. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software, then try opening your photos again to see if the issue persists. If disabling resolves the issue, adjust your antivirus or firewall settings to exclude photo folders or files from scanning.

Check Disk Space and Storage Drive Health

Insufficient disk space or failing storage drives can lead to file system errors and impact photo access. Ensure your storage drives have adequate free space and use disk management tools to check drive health:

1. Free Up Disk Space: Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to external storage to free up space on your drives.

2. Check Drive Health: Use disk management tools like Disk Cleanup or third-party utilities to check for drive errors and health status. Address any issues found to prevent future file system errors.

Another way of solving the problem:

1. Type the word: Services on the search bar below , and open the services app.
2. Look for Windows License Manager Service and double click it.
3. On Startup type: set it to Automatic and then click apply at bottom.
4. Lastly, on your left panel, click start the service! Try now to open your photos.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix file system errors preventing you from opening photos on your Windows 10 system. Regularly maintaining and updating your system, along with practicing safe computing habits, helps ensure optimal performance and reliability for accessing and managing your digital photos.