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Microsoft Photos.exe is the default app for viewing and editing photos on Windows 11. Sometimes, users notice it consumes a lot of memory, which can slow down the computer. High memory usage can affect system performance and overall experience.

This article walks you through easy steps to fix Microsoft Photos high memory usage. Each step is explained simply so anyone can follow along without technical knowledge.

By following these solutions, you can reduce memory use and keep your PC running smoothly. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into fixes.

Understanding why this happens helps you prevent it in the future and know when to seek advanced help.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

• Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs that cause high memory use.
• Check if other apps are also slowing your PC, as Photos.exe might not be the only cause.
• Save any important work before starting these steps, as some may require restarting your PC.
• Have a stable internet connection for downloading updates or troubleshooting tools.

Step 1: Restart Microsoft Photos App

Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the Photos app can clear temporary memory issues.

1. Click the Start button and type Task Manager, then open it.
2. In Task Manager, find Microsoft Photos or Photos.exe under the Processes tab.
3. Select it and click End task at the bottom right.
4. Close Task Manager and reopen the Photos app from the Start menu.

This helps because sometimes the app may get stuck using too much memory, and restarting resets it.

Step 2: Clear Photos App Cache

Cached files help apps load faster, but sometimes corrupted cache causes high memory use. Clearing it can fix the problem.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).
3. Scroll down to Microsoft Photos and click the three dots next to it.
4. Select Advanced options.
5. Scroll to the Reset section and click Repair first. If that doesn’t work, click Reset.

Repair tries to fix the app without deleting data, while Reset clears all app data and restores default settings.

Step 3: Update Microsoft Photos App

Outdated apps may have bugs causing excessive memory use. Updating ensures you have the latest fixes.

1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
2. Click the profile icon at the top right and select App settings.
3. Go back to the Store homepage and click Library at the bottom left.
4. Click Get updates to update all apps, or search for Microsoft Photos and update it individually.

Keeping the app updated prevents memory leaks and improves performance.

Step 4: Disable Background Activity for Microsoft Photos

Apps running in the background can use memory even when not in use. Disabling background activity limits resource use.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft Photos, click the three dots, then Advanced options.
3. Under Background apps permissions, select Never or Power optimized.

This prevents Photos.exe from running unnecessarily and consuming memory.

Step 5: Reinstall Microsoft Photos App

If problems persist, reinstalling the app can fix deeper issues by replacing corrupted files.

1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell as administrator (search in Start, right-click, select Run as administrator).
2. Type the following command and press Enter to uninstall Photos:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. After uninstalling, reinstall it by typing:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This removes and then reinstalls the app cleanly.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

• Use System File Checker: Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as admin to repair system files that might affect Photos.
• Create a new user profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted, causing app issues.
• Check for malware: Scan your PC with Windows Defender or other trusted antivirus software to rule out infections causing unusual memory use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Microsoft Photos using so much memory?

The app may be processing large images, have a corrupted cache, or be affected by bugs in outdated versions.

Is it safe to reset the Photos app?

Yes, resetting only clears the app’s data and cache. It will not delete your actual pictures stored on your PC.

Can disabling background activity affect the app’s functionality?

It may delay notifications or background syncing, but basic photo viewing and editing will still work fine.

Will reinstalling Photos delete my photos?

No, your personal photos are stored separately in your Pictures folder and won’t be deleted by reinstalling the app.

How often should I update Microsoft Photos?

Regularly check for updates, ideally once a month, to ensure you have the latest performance improvements and bug fixes.

When Nothing Works

If these steps do not fix the high memory usage, consider the following options:

• Contact Microsoft Support for personalized help.
• Visit the official Microsoft Photos support page for latest troubleshooting guides: Microsoft Photos Support.
• Consider using alternative photo viewer apps like IrfanView or FastStone Image Viewer as temporary solutions.
• Perform a Windows 11 repair install or reset as a last resort, but back up your data first.

Conclusion

High memory usage by Microsoft Photos.exe on Windows 11 can slow your PC but is usually fixable with simple steps. Restarting the app, clearing cache, updating, and disabling background activity often resolve the issue quickly.

For persistent problems, reinstalling the app or using advanced tools like System File Checker may be necessary. Always keep your software updated and maintain good system hygiene to prevent future issues.

By following this guide, you can enjoy smooth photo viewing and editing without worrying about excessive memory consumption.