How to View Motion Photos on Windows 10 and 11: Complete Guide

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In recent times, smartphones have introduced a wide array of photographic features, one of which is Motion Photos. This innovative feature, prevalent on many modern smartphones, allows users to capture not just still images, but also short video clips that encapsulate the moments just before and after the shutter button is pressed. These Motion Photos typically last between 1.5 to 3 seconds, making them excellent for capturing dynamic scenes that a single image might not adequately represent. In this article, we’ll outline how to view Motion Photos on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

Understanding Motion Photos​

Motion Photos offer a vibrant way to relive memories. They blend still imagery with video, showcasing moments in a format that is both engaging and dynamic. While these Motion Photos are easily viewable on smartphones, issues often arise when users attempt to access them on computers, particularly Windows PCs. Thankfully, there are straightforward methods to view Motion Photos on your PC, which we will discuss in detail below.

Methods to View Motion Photos on PC​

There are primarily two methods to view Motion Photos on a Windows PC:

1. Using the Google Photos Web App
2. Using the Windows Photos App Let’s explore each method so you can effortlessly enjoy your Motion Photos.

   1. Using the Google Photos Web App​

   The Google Photos web app is a highly useful service that syncs with the Google Photos app on mobile devices, providing seamless access to your photo library across devices. Here's how to view Motion Photos using the Google Photos web app:

   Step-by-Step Instructions:​

   • Upload Your Motion Photos: First, ensure that your Motion Photos are uploaded to Google Photos from your mobile device. You can do this either through the Google Photos app or its website.
   • Access Google Photos: Open a web browser on your PC and navigate to the Google Photos website. Sign in using the same Google account utilized for the uploads.
   • Locate Your Photos: Once logged in, navigate to the Photos section located in the left panel. Here you’ll find your Motion Photos along with all your other images and videos.
   • View the Motion Photo: Click on any Motion Photo to open it. The photo will display as a short video clip, showcasing not only the captured motion but also any sound that was recorded, accompanying the still image. This method is particularly user-friendly and allows for easy management of your photo library across multiple devices.

     2. Using the Windows Photos App​

     Another approach is to use the Windows Photos app, which has recently improved its functionality regarding Motion Photos. This app can now recognize and display Motion Photos that originate from various Android smartphones, enabling users to view them as short videos.

     Step-by-Step Instructions:​

   • Open Windows Photos App:
   • Click on the Start menu and select the Photos app.
   • Open the Motion Photo: If you’ve transferred Motion Photos from your smartphone to your PC, locate the image file and open it in the Windows Photos app. Unlike before, the app will detect the animated content and will automatically play the motion alongside the still image.
   • Conversion Option: If your mobile device has the capability to convert Motion Photos into video or GIF format, you can do so before transferring them to your PC. Moreover, third-party tools like GoMoPho can also assist in extracting and playing videos from Motion Photos. This solution provides a native way to enjoy your Motion Photos without needing to rely on third-party services, making your experience more integrated with the Windows ecosystem.

     Additional Tips​

     If you encounter any issues accessing photos from your camera or memory devices on your computer, follow these guidelines to simplify the process:
   • Importing Pictures:
   • Connect your camera or memory card to your computer.
   • Launch the Windows Photos app.
   • Click the Import button in the top right corner, then select either From a USB device or From a folder and follow the prompts to transfer the images.

     Viewing Live Photos on PC​

     For users who also have iPhones, you might be wondering how to view Live Photos on your Windows PC. Live Photos is a feature exclusive to iOS devices, and here’s how you can access them:
   []Install iCloud for Windows: Download and install the iCloud for Windows application from the Apple website. []Sign in with Your Apple ID: Once installed, open iCloud and sign in using your Apple ID. []Enable Photos Sync: Enable the Photos option and select iCloud Photo Library to sync your Live Photos. []Access in File Explorer: You will find your photos in the iCloud Photos folder within File Explorer, where they can be viewed using any supporting application, such as QuickTime Player.

   Conclusion​

   Motion Photos are an exciting way to capture memories, combining stills with motion. Whether you prefer using Google Photos or the native Windows Photos app, accessing these dynamic shots on your Windows PC has never been easier. With the steps outlined in this article, you can now ensure that your Motion Photos are always just a few clicks away, ready to bring your memories back to life. For more tips on utilizing your Windows devices effectively, visit the latest updates and guides in the tech community such as those available at The Windows Club.

   Citation​

   For a detailed guide with images, you can refer to the original article from The Windows Club here.