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How to Fix Office Picture Manager Not Working in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Office Picture Manager was a popular tool for viewing, editing, and managing images in earlier versions of Microsoft Office. However, many users find it not working properly after upgrading to Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for quick image edits.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and effective ways to fix Office Picture Manager issues on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so you can follow along even if you are not very tech-savvy.

By the end, you should be able to get Office Picture Manager working smoothly again or find suitable alternatives. Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.

Follow the steps carefully and try them in order, as they go from easy fixes to more advanced options.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Verify Installation: Make sure Office Picture Manager is actually installed on your PC. It is not included by default in newer Microsoft Office versions but is part of the older Office 2010 suite or SharePoint Designer.
  • Check File Associations: Confirm that image files are set to open with Office Picture Manager. Wrong file associations can prevent the program from launching properly.
  • Update Windows: Ensure your Windows 11 system is updated. Sometimes, pending updates can cause software compatibility issues.
  • Close Conflicting Apps: Other image viewers or editors running in the background can interfere. Close them before trying to open Office Picture Manager.

Step 1: Manually Install Office Picture Manager

If you don’t have Office Picture Manager installed, you can add it manually. This is because newer Office versions don’t include it by default.

  1. Download Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2010 – This free tool includes Office Picture Manager. You can get it from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Run the Installer – After downloading, launch the setup file and proceed through the installation prompts.
  3. Customize the Installation – When you reach the installation options, choose “Customize” instead of “Install Now.”
  4. Locate Office Picture Manager – In the features list, find Office Tools and expand it.
  5. Set Office Picture Manager to “Run from My Computer” – Click the dropdown next to Office Picture Manager and select this option.
  6. Disable Other Unneeded Features – If you want to save space, set other tools you don’t need to “Not Available.”
  7. Complete the Installation – Click Install to finish the process.

Why this is important: Office Picture Manager is no longer bundled with modern Office suites, so installing it via SharePoint Designer is a reliable workaround.

Step 2: Set Office Picture Manager as Default Image Viewer

Sometimes, your pictures may open with another app by default. Setting Office Picture Manager as the default can solve launch problems.

  1. Right-click on any image file (for example, a JPG or PNG file).
  2. Select Open with > Choose another app.
  3. From the list, select Office Picture Manager. If it’s not listed, click More apps, then Look for another app on this PC and navigate to:
    4. C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice14OIS.EXE
  4. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .jpg files (or the file type you selected).
  5. Click OK.

Why this matters: Correct file association ensures your images open directly with Office Picture Manager, reducing errors from incompatible programs.

Step 3: Run Office Picture Manager in Compatibility Mode

Windows 11 may have compatibility issues with older software like Office Picture Manager. Running it in compatibility mode helps Windows treat it like an older version.

  1. Navigate to the installation folder where Office Picture Manager is installed, usually:
    2. C:Program Files (x86)Microsoft OfficeOffice14OIS.EXE
  2. Right-click on OIS.EXE and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for:
  5. Select Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown.
  6. Check Run this program as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
  7. Click Apply, then OK.
  8. Try launching Office Picture Manager again.

Why use compatibility mode? It helps older programs work better on newer operating systems by mimicking an older Windows environment.

Step 4: Repair or Reinstall Microsoft Office Components

If Office Picture Manager still doesn’t work, some Office components may be corrupted. Repairing Office can fix this.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Find your Microsoft Office installation in the list.
  4. Click on the three dots next to it and select Modify.
  5. Choose Quick Repair first, then click Repair.
  6. If that doesn’t work, repeat and choose Online Repair (requires internet).

Why repair? This process replaces or fixes damaged files that might be causing the problem.

Alternative Method: Use a Different Image Viewer

If Office Picture Manager continues to malfunction, consider using alternative image viewing and editing apps compatible with Windows 11.

  • Windows Photos App: Built-in and regularly updated with Windows 11.
  • IrfanView: Lightweight and free image viewer with basic editing.
  • FastStone Image Viewer: Offers more advanced editing features.

These alternatives are easy to install and use, providing similar functionality to Office Picture Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Office Picture Manager included in Microsoft Office 365 or Office 2019?

No, Office Picture Manager is not included in Office 365 or Office 2019. It was last available in Office 2010 and SharePoint Designer 2010.

Can I download Office Picture Manager separately?

Microsoft does not offer Office Picture Manager as a standalone download. The best way to get it is by installing SharePoint Designer 2010 and selecting it during installation.

Why does Office Picture Manager crash or fail to open on Windows 11?

This can happen due to compatibility issues, corrupted Office files, or incorrect file associations. Following the troubleshooting steps usually resolves these problems.

Is it safe to run Office Picture Manager in compatibility mode?

Yes, running older software in compatibility mode is a standard Windows feature and safe to use.

Can I use Office Picture Manager on Windows 11 without installing SharePoint Designer?

Only if it was already installed on your system from an older Office version. Otherwise, SharePoint Designer is the official way to install it.

When Nothing Works: Final Steps and Resources

If all the above steps fail, you may want to consider:

  • Uninstalling and reinstalling SharePoint Designer 2010 to get a fresh copy of Office Picture Manager.
  • Checking Microsoft’s official support forums for any updates or patches.
  • Contacting Microsoft Support for personalized assistance.
  • Switching to modern alternative apps as a permanent solution.

Official Microsoft links:

Conclusion

Office Picture Manager remains a useful tool for many users, but it requires extra steps to work correctly on Windows 11. Starting with verifying installation, setting file associations, and using compatibility mode usually fixes most issues.

If problems persist, repairing Office or installing alternatives is a good fallback. Remember, patience and following the troubleshooting steps in order will give you the best chance to resolve the problem.

We hope this guide helped you bring Office Picture Manager back to life on your Windows 11 PC. Happy editing!

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