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Do you know how to Fix ‘PNG File Not Opening’ issue in Windows? If you’re into photography, graphic design, or just looking at pictures, not being able to view images can be annoying. This issue might get in the way of your work and make it hard to finish things. There are ways to fix it, though. That’s why you might be getting the “PNG File Not Opening” error on Windows. This guide will show you how to fix it.
The first step in solving a problem is to figure out what caused it in the first place. You can fix the problem once you know what’s causing it. If you do the right things, you can quickly get back to enjoying your digital material and get to your PNG files again.
Trouble with technology shouldn’t stop you. You can fix any problems you run into and get your Windows system working again if you take the right steps. People who take pictures for a living or people who just like looking at them should be able to get to their files when they need to. Let’s look at the ways how to Fix ‘PNG File Not Opening’ issue in Windows.
What is ‘PNG File Not Opening’ issue in Windows
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files can’t be seen by Windows, which leads to the “PNG File Not Opening” error. Different things, like bad file links, old software, or mistakes in the system, can cause this to happen. Trouble with image apps or software conflicts can also happen from time to time. Phonies or damaged system files can also make it impossible to open PNG files.

Update the system and picture software, fix file connections, scan for viruses, and use built-in tools to look for system mistakes are some things that users can try to fix this. They may need to reinstall or fix the program that is broken sometimes. Until the problem is fixed, you can also use different picture viewers or change PNG files to other formats. People who have these issues can open and use PNG files on their Windows machine again without any issues.
Causes for ‘PNG File Not Opening’ issue in Windows
- Corrupted File: The PNG file may be damaged because it downloaded partially, was sent incorrectly, or was stored incorrectly. Open the file on a different device to see if the problem still happens.
- Outdated Software: The software you’re using to open PNG files might not work with this file type or be too old. Make sure you have the most recent version of the picture viewer or editor you like.
- Components of software that are missing or broken: If the software you use to open PNG files depends on certain system tools or components, those components may be missing or broken. The problem might be fixed by reinstalling the software or fixing the program.
- Security Software: Security software that is too alert might mistakenly mark PNG files as possible risks, making it impossible to open them. The problem might be fixed by turning off or changing the settings of your security or firewall software for a short time.
- Not Enough System Resources: If your computer doesn’t have enough memory or processing power, it might be hard to open big PNG files or many files at once. This problem might get better if you close apps you don’t need or update your hardware.
- File Permissions: The PNG file might not be able to be opened because its permissions are too tight. Make sure you have the right permissions to open and change the file.
- File Format Compatibility: When you try to open a PNG file, there is a small chance that the software you are using does not handle some of its features or specifications. If you’re having problems with compatibility, try using a different picture viewer or editor.
How to Fix ‘PNG File Not Opening’ issue in Windows
Repair or Update the default photo viewer
Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Click on Apps & features.
- Search for “Photos“.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Choose between Repair or Reset.
Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Click on Installed apps.
- Search for “Photos”.
- Click on the three dots and select Advanced options.
- Click on Repair.
Use a different photo viewer
- Right-click on the PNG file.
- Select Open with.
- Choose a different photo viewer like Paint or another program you have installed.
- If the file opens successfully, you can set this program as the default for PNG files.
Update Windows
- Outdated system software can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Check for and install any available updates.
Convert the PNG file to another format and Repair corrupted PNG file
- Convert the PNG file to JPG or BMP format.
- Online converters or editing software like Paint can be used.
- Alternatively, Suspect file corrupted? Use dedicated PNG file repair software.
- Caution when selecting software; download from reputable sources.
Check for file encryption
- Right-click on the PNG file and select Properties.
- Click on the General tab.
- If the file is encrypted, it may not open with your default photo viewer.
- You’ll need the decryption key to access the file.
Run a system file checker
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- This will scan your system for corrupted files and attempt to repair them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not being able to open PNG files on Windows can be very annoying, especially if you use these picture files for a lot of different things. But it’s important to know that this problem generally happens because of problems with software, damaged files, or errors in the system. There are several things you can do to fix it. First, it’s important to regularly check for system changes and keep your software up to date. You could also try using different programs to look at pictures, which might also help.
Also, it’s very important to make sure that your system is free of any viruses and that your file associations are set up properly. You can fix the problem of PNG files not opening by paying close attention and using troubleshooting steps. This will allow you to easily view and access these pictures on your Windows device again. When working with these kinds of technical problems, being proactive and alert can go a long way toward making things go more smoothly.
Question and Answer
If none of the preceding remedies are successful, you can try doing a system restore to revert to a point in time when PNG files were opening without any problems. You may also contact Microsoft Support in order to receive additional assistance.
If you are having trouble opening PNG files, the first step is to start Command Prompt while logged in as an administrator. In the following step, type “sfc /scannow” and press the Enter key. This command will examine and repair any system files that have become corrupted.
PNG files can be fixed by going to the Control Panel and selecting the Programs and Features option. After selecting the program that is associated with PNG files, click “Repair” or “Uninstall/Change,” and reinstall the software if it is required before proceeding.