This built-in Windows app is slowing down PCs. Here’s what you can do

In Windows, you have options when it comes to viewing photos and videos, but you probably just use the default photo-viewing app Microsoft Photos, which comes pre-installed with Windows.

Recently, however, it’s come to light that Microsoft Photos has been causing computer slowdowns for many users.

There are two main reasons for this: first, Microsoft migrated the Photos app from UWP to Windows App SDK back in June, and second, Microsoft has been adding new AI features to the Photos app.

As a result, the app has grown sluggish and takes longer to start than it used to — which can be a real problem when the Photos app automatically starts on its own when Windows boots up.

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This doesn’t affect every Windows user (yet). As of this writing, only Windows 11 users on version 2024.11050.3002.0 are affected. But more will be affected over time, especially after the new Photos app is integrated into Windows 10, according to this Windows Insider blog.

Unfortunately, the Photos app can’t be completely uninstalled because it’s an integral part of Windows. However, you can prevent the app from launching automatically at startup:

• Option 1: Navigate to Settings on your PC, then to Apps, and then click Startup. Scroll down until you see Windows Photo Display and simply toggle the switch beside it to Off.
• Option 2: Open Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut. Then, click on the Startup apps tab in the left navigation. Scroll until you see Windows Photo Display, select it, then click the Disable button in the top toolbar to disable automatic startup.

Is there a downside to disabling Photos from automatically launching at Windows startup? Not really. You might have to wait a little bit when you do need to use it and manually launch it, but that’s it.

Further reading: The best free Photoshop alternatives for Windows