How to Fix Windows Photo Viewer No Arrows Issue in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Windows Photo Viewer is a simple and convenient app for viewing images on Windows 11. Sometimes, users find that the navigation arrows, which allow moving between photos, disappear or stop working. This can be frustrating when you want to browse through your pictures quickly.

Fortunately, fixing the missing arrows issue is usually straightforward. You don’t need advanced technical skills to restore this functionality. In this guide, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step instructions to get your Photo Viewer arrows back.

Following these steps carefully will help you identify common causes and apply effective solutions. We’ll start with the simplest fixes and move toward more detailed methods if needed.

By the end, you should be able to smoothly navigate through your photos again without hassle.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, updates fix bugs related to apps.
Check if your photos are stored locally and not on a network drive or external device that might disconnect.
Confirm that Windows Photo Viewer is set as the default app for opening images. This affects how features like arrows behave.

Step 1: Restart Windows Photo Viewer and Your PC

Sometimes, the simplest fix is just to restart the app or your computer. This refreshes system resources and can clear minor glitches.

Close Windows Photo Viewer completely.
Wait a few seconds, then open it again and check if the arrows appear.
If that doesn’t work, restart your PC and try again.

This step is important because temporary software glitches often cause display issues.

Step 2: Ensure Windows Photo Viewer Is Set as Default for Images

Windows 11 may use a different app to open photos by default, such as the new Photos app. This can affect navigation features.

To set Windows Photo Viewer as default:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Apps > Default apps.
Scroll down and find Windows Photo Viewer in the list.
Click on it, then assign it as the default app for image file types like .jpg, .png, and .bmp.

Having the correct default app ensures you get the intended interface with working navigation arrows.

Step 3: Check Folder View Settings and Image List

Windows Photo Viewer shows navigation arrows only when multiple images are in the same folder. If you open a single image from a unique folder or location, arrows may not appear.

To fix this:

Make sure your photos are all stored in the same folder.
Open the folder containing multiple images and double-click one image to open Windows Photo Viewer.
You should now see arrows to navigate between images in that folder.

This step is crucial because the viewer relies on the folder’s image list to enable navigation.

Step 4: Use the Keyboard Arrows as an Alternative

If the navigation arrows are missing but you can see the photo, try using your keyboard’s left and right arrow keys to move between images.

This is a quick workaround while you troubleshoot the issue. It confirms that Windows Photo Viewer is detecting multiple images even if the arrows aren’t visible.

Step 5: Reset the Photos App (If You Use It by Mistake)

Sometimes the Windows Photos app replaces Windows Photo Viewer and causes confusion. Resetting it can help if you want to switch back or fix app conflicts.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Find and click on Photos.
Click Advanced options, then scroll down to click Reset.

This clears any corrupted data or settings in the Photos app that might interfere with image viewing.

Step 6: Re-Enable Windows Photo Viewer via Registry (Advanced)

If Windows Photo Viewer does not appear as an option, or arrows remain missing, it might be disabled in the system registry. Editing the registry should be done carefully.

Here’s how to re-enable it:

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows Photo ViewerCapabilitiesFileAssociations
If the keys for image file types like .jpg or .png are missing, you can add them manually.
Right-click in the right pane, select New > String Value, name it .jpg, and set the value to PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.Tiff.
Repeat for other image types if needed.
Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

This method restores Windows Photo Viewer’s functionality fully but should be done only if you are comfortable with system changes.

FAQs

Why are the navigation arrows missing in Windows Photo Viewer?

Navigation arrows appear only when multiple images are in the same folder. Opening a single file from a unique location or shortcut may hide arrows.

Can I use keyboard keys to navigate photos?

Yes, the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard work to move between images even if the on-screen arrows are missing.

Is Windows Photo Viewer still available in Windows 11?

Windows Photo Viewer is hidden by default but can be re-enabled through settings or the system registry.

What if Windows Photo Viewer doesn’t open my images?

Ensure it is set as the default app for your image files. Otherwise, images might open in the Photos app or another viewer.

Can resetting the Photos app fix this issue?

Sometimes, yes. Resetting clears cached data and settings that may cause conflicts.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face issues, consider these final options:

Use the Windows Photos app: It offers more features and reliable navigation.
Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the troubleshooter for apps.
Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for help.
Restore your system: If the issue started recently, consider using System Restore to revert to a previous state.

Conclusion

Missing navigation arrows in Windows Photo Viewer on Windows 11 can disrupt your photo browsing experience, but the fix is usually simple. Start by restarting the app and your PC, ensuring Windows Photo Viewer is the default image viewer, and verifying that multiple images are in the same folder.

If basic steps don’t help, resetting the Photos app or editing the registry can restore full functionality. Always proceed carefully with advanced options and back up important data.

By following this guide, you should be able to navigate your photos smoothly again and enjoy a hassle-free viewing experience on Windows 11.