How to Fix Windows 10 Photo Importing Not Working: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows 10 offers a convenient way to import photos from your camera, phone, or external drives. However, sometimes the photo importing feature may stop working as expected. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to transfer your pictures quickly.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix photo importing issues without needing technical expertise. Most problems can be resolved by following easy troubleshooting methods.

In this article, we will guide you through basic and detailed solutions to help you get the photo import feature working again. Each step is explained clearly so you can follow along with confidence.

Let’s start by checking some quick points before moving on to the detailed fixes.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Check Your Connection: Make sure your device (camera, phone, or external drive) is properly connected to your PC via USB or another method.
Unlock Your Device: If you are importing photos from a phone, ensure it is unlocked and set to allow file transfers.
Use Original Cables: Use the original or a high-quality USB cable to avoid connection issues.
Restart Devices: Sometimes, simply restarting your computer and the device you want to import from can fix temporary glitches.

Step 1: Use the Photos App Import Feature Properly

The easiest way to import photos is through the built-in Windows Photos app. Here’s how to do it:

Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable.
Open the Photos app by typing Photos in the Start menu search and pressing Enter.
Click on the Import button located at the top right corner.
Select From a USB device.
The app will scan your device for photos. This may take a few moments.
Choose the photos you want to import or select all.
Click Import to start transferring the photos to your PC.

If the Photos app does not detect your device or fails to import, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check and Update Device Drivers

Device drivers are software components that allow your computer to communicate with external devices. Outdated or missing drivers can prevent photo importing.

Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the section called Portable Devices or Imaging Devices.
Look for your connected device. If it has a yellow exclamation mark, it means the driver has issues.
Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
After updating, disconnect and reconnect your device, then try importing again.

If no updates are found or the problem persists, try the next solution.

Step 3: Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common hardware problems automatically.

Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
Click on Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot from the left panel.
Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Find Hardware and Devices, then click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.
Restart your computer and try importing photos again.

Step 4: Reset the Photos App

Sometimes, the Photos app itself may be corrupted or malfunctioning. Resetting it will clear its data without affecting your photos.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Click on Apps.
Scroll down and find the Photos app.
Click on it, then select Advanced options.
Scroll down and click the Reset button.
Confirm by clicking Reset again when prompted.
After the reset, open the Photos app and try importing your photos once more.

Step 5: Use File Explorer to Manually Copy Photos

If the Photos app still doesn’t work, you can manually copy photos from your device using File Explorer.

Connect your device to the computer.
Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E.
Find your device under This PC or Devices and drives.
Open the device and navigate to the folder containing your photos. This is usually named DCIM or Pictures.
Select the photos you want to copy. You can press Ctrl + A to select all files.
Right-click the selected files and choose Copy.
Navigate to the folder on your PC where you want to save the photos, right-click, and select Paste.

This method bypasses the Photos app and works well if the app is causing issues.

Step 6: Check Windows Update and Install System Updates

Keeping Windows updated is important for system stability and compatibility with devices.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Click Check for updates.
If any updates are available, download and install them.
Restart your computer if prompted.
Try importing photos again after the update.

FAQs

Why won’t my phone show up when I try to import photos?

Your phone might be locked or set to charge-only mode. Unlock your phone and select the option for file transfer (MTP) in the USB connection settings.

Can I use third-party apps to import photos?

Yes, there are many third-party photo management apps that can import photos. However, it’s best to first try the built-in Photos app and File Explorer to avoid additional software complications.

Is it safe to reset the Photos app?

Yes, resetting the Photos app only clears the app’s data and cache. It does not delete your actual photos or files.

My device drivers are up to date, but importing still fails. What now?

Try using a different USB port or cable, or manually copy photos using File Explorer as explained above.

Why does the Photos app import process get stuck or freeze?

This can happen due to corrupted files or large photo libraries. Try importing smaller batches or copying photos manually.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot import photos, consider the following options:

Check the Device Manufacturer’s Support: Visit the official website for troubleshooting guides specific to your device.
Use Microsoft’s Support and Recovery Assistant: This tool can diagnose and fix Windows issues automatically. Download it from Microsoft’s official site.
Contact Microsoft Support: If the problem persists, professional help may be needed.
Backup Photos Using Cloud Services: If possible, upload your photos to cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Photos from your device, then download them on your PC.

Conclusion

Photo importing issues on Windows 10 can often be fixed by following simple steps such as checking connections, updating drivers, and resetting the Photos app. If the built-in tools fail, manual copying via File Explorer is a reliable alternative. Keeping your system updated and running troubleshooters also helps maintain smooth operation.

By patiently working through these steps, you should be able to resolve most photo import problems and continue enjoying your pictures on your PC without hassle.