Fix Slow Photos App on Windows 11: Tips for Smooth Performance

The Photos app has become the lifeblood of photo management for many Windows users; however, a recent phenomenon has emerged that leaves many feeling less than thrilled—specifically, the Photos app has been reported to slow down Windows 11 PCs. If you find yourself experiencing the dreaded sluggishness while trying to manage your photos, fear not! Today, we'll explore several straightforward strategies to help you restore your system’s snappy performance and enjoy a smoother experience with this foundational application.

Understanding the Dilemma​

Why Is the Photos App Slowing Down My PC?​

In recent months, reports have surfaced describing the Photos app behaving as a resource-hungry behemoth. A major contributing factor appears to be Microsoft’s decision to migrate the Photos app from the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) to the Windows App SDK. To add insult to injury, new AI features have been introduced that, while innovative, may come at the price of performance. These changes have particularly impacted users on Windows 11 version 2024.11050.3002.0 (24H2), as well as a subset of Windows 10 users.

Strategies to Optimize Photos App Performance​

Now that we understand the challenges, let’s dive into some effective solutions to mitigate these slowdowns:

1. Disable Photos App at Startup​

Why This Helps: The Photos app launching during startup can consume precious system resources that would be better allocated elsewhere. Preventing it from starting automatically can give your PC a quick boost.

• From the Settings Menu:
  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Navigate to Apps > Startup.
  • Find the Photos app and toggle it off to stop it from running at startup.
• Using Task Manager:
  • Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • Select Startup apps from the left pane.
  • Right-click on the Photos app and choose Disable.

2. Adjust In-App Settings​

How to Do It: Tweak the settings within the Photos app to limit its resource consumption.

• Launch the Photos app.
• Click the Settings icon in the top bar.
• Toggle off Performance (Allow Microsoft Photos to run in the background at startup to improve performance).

Doing this should minimize the app's impact on system performance without sacrificing your ability to view photos when needed.

3. Reset or Repair the Photos App​

What This Affects: Often, resetting or repairing the Photos app can return it to its previous functioning state without losing your precious photos.

• Steps to Reset or Repair:
  • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  • Locate the Photos app, click the three-dot icon, and choose Advanced settings.
  • Scroll down, select Repair, and if that does not suffice, opt for Reset.

This can be especially helpful if you notice that your troubles began after a recent update or configuration change.

4. Uninstall Recent Windows Update​

Why This Matters: Occasionally, updates can introduce bugs or compatibility issues that slow down critical applications like Photos.

• Uninstalling Updates:
  • Open Settings and go to Windows Updates > Update history.
  • Scroll to Uninstall updates, select the most recent update, and hit Uninstall.

If the slowdown correlates with a recent update, this move might just do the trick.

Exploring Alternatives​

If after trying the above methods the Photos app still fails to meet your expectations, considering alternatives might be the best course. Lightweight photo viewers such as IrfanView or FastStone Image Viewer can provide robust functionality without the bloat that often accompanies Microsoft’s native offering.

FAQs​

• How do I enhance Windows 11 performance? Implement general system optimizations, such as disabling unnecessary startup programs and clearing out temporary files.
• Why are my images loading slowly? Different image formats have varying loading times; some formats may naturally lag. However, following the aforementioned fixes can help.
• Is there a way to speed up the Photos app specifically? If OneDrive syncing is disabled, the Photos app may operate more quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion​

The Photos app is a crucial tool for many Windows users, but its recent performance issues have stirred frustration among its loyal fanbase. By employing the measures above, you can reclaim lost speed and efficiency. Whether you choose to adjust startup settings, reset the app, or explore alternatives, enhancing your overall experience is within reach. So take charge of your photo management today!
Remember to share your experiences and solutions with fellow Windows enthusiasts on the forum—your insights might just help someone else tackle their Photos app woes!
Source: TechPP 4 Ways to Fix Photos App Slowing Down Windows 11 PC