Microsoft acknowledges bug that prevents Windows 11 Photos app from launching

Microsoft has announced that if you updated the Microsoft Photos app from the Microsoft Store on or after June 4, 2024 (version 2024.11050.29009.0 or later), a spinning circle may appear when you launch the Photos app, and then disappear.

This issue prevents non-administrators from installing packaged Windows apps. policy, or its configuration service provider (CSP) equivalent.BlockNonAdminUserInstallThis is more likely to occur if you enable either

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This issue can occur on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, Pro edition and above.

The above policies are not generally set in the Home edition, so there is no particular problem.

However, last month (May 2024), I encountered a problem in my environment (Windows 11 23H2 Home) where the Photos app would not launch.

Solved! Windows 11 Microsoft Photos app won't launch or respond

I don't know if it's related to this issue, but the symptoms are exactly the same.

Microsoft is currently working on a resolution to the issue and will provide an update in an upcoming release.

Check the settings using the Local Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor

If you're experiencing issues with Windows 11 version 22H2 and 23H2 Pro edition or higher, try checking your settings in the Local Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor.

Configured using the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:

gpedit.msc

2. The Local Group Policy Editor will open, so open Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment.

3. If the "Prevent non-administrators from installing packaged Windows apps" setting on the right is set to "Enabled," only administrators will be able to start the installation of Windows app packages.

To disable this setting, double-click "Prevent non-administrators from installing packaged Windows apps," select "Not configured" or "Disabled," and click OK.

Setting in Registry Editor

If you operate the registry incorrectly, it may cause problems such as the system being unable to start. Please make a backup in advance using system restore or similar, and proceed at your own risk.

• How to create and restore a system restore point
• How to open and back up the Registry Editor
• Windows 11/10 Registry Basics: Concept, How to Open, and Internal Structure
• How to Take Ownership and Change Permissions in Windows 11 Registry
  

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To avoid panicking if your PC suddenly breaks down, it's a good idea to have a standard backup software to protect your important photos and data.

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Pochip

1. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.

2. The Registry Editor will open, so open the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Appx

3. With the "Appx" key selected, check the column on the right.

There is a value called "BlockNonAdminUserInstall" here, and if the value data is "1", it is "enabled", and if it is "0" or there is no value, it is "disabled".

2024/07/12 Microsoft adds temporary workaround

On July 12, 2024, Microsoft added a temporary workaround for the issue where the Photos app cannot be launched.

Even without taking the above steps, the Photos app will be able to launch normally if you download and install the latest Windows App SDK.

Download the Windows App SDK

1. Open the following page:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/windows-app-sdk/downloads

2. Refer to the image below and click on the appropriate installer for your PC, "Installer (x64)" or "Installer (arm64)" to download it.

Windows App SDK Installation

1. Right-click on the downloaded installer (here, "windowsappruntimeinstall-x64.exe") and click "Run as administrator."

2. When the User Account Control message appears, click "Yes".

3. The command prompt will then be displayed for a few seconds and will automatically close once the process is complete.

This completes the Windows App SDK installation.