If you’re using a Windows 11 PC, you’re likely familiar with its improvements and overall responsiveness. While the default Photos app offers some enhancements over its Windows 10 counterpart, it still lacks support for various image formats.
To provide you with a better viewing experience, here is a list of the 14 best photo viewers for Windows 11 and Windows 10. These alternatives offer enhanced features and performance, even on low-end systems.
One common issue with the default photo viewer is encountering a black screen when opening an image—something that can be quite frustrating. Despite having numerous features, the app misses some basic functionalities.
If you’re tired of the default photo viewer or simply want to explore alternatives, check out the 10 best photo viewers for Windows 10 and 11. These apps, available on both the Windows Store and the web, are designed to address common problems and provide a smoother experience. You’ll find direct links to all the photo viewers on this list for easy access.
Best Photo Viewer for Windows 10 & 11
You can set any photo viewer as your default by following these two simple methods: First, go to Settings, search for “default apps,” and open it. Then, under “Photo Viewer,” select your preferred app. You might need to choose the default app for each image format to avoid the Photos app opening by default. The second method is to right-click on an image, select “Open with,” click “Choose another app,” and select the photo viewer you want to set as default. Don’t forget to tick “Always use this app to open these files.”
One Photo Viewer
One Photo Viewer is a simple, ad-free app that stands out due to its ease of use. It offers essential features such as zoom, pan, rotate, export, and the ability to re-save images in different sizes or resolutions in PNG or JPEG format. Supported formats include JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, ICO, JPEG-XR, DDS, and many raw formats like DNG.
IrfanView
IrfanView has been a trusted name in photo viewing for over 18 years. Known for its lightweight, simple user interface, and robust feature set, it supports a wide range of image formats, including PNG, JPEG/JPG, TIFF, GIF, ICO, and various raw formats from digital cameras. The only drawback is its outdated UI.
Phototheca
Phototheca is a great choice for organizing and managing your photos. It includes features like duplicate photo removal, zoom controls, and easy sharing to social media. It offers a 15-day trial, after which you can purchase the full version for $64.95 per year. Supported formats include EXIF, IPTC, XMP, and all essential image formats.
Nomacs
Nomacs is an open-source, free photo viewer that supports a wide variety of formats. It displays thumbnails for quick navigation, offers slide shows, and includes basic image editing tools like cropping and resizing. It also allows you to set images as your desktop wallpaper.
Image Eye
Image Eye is a minimalist image viewer with basic functionality. It supports all common image formats and offers tools for zooming, rotating, and basic image adjustments like contrast and brightness. It’s a small, lightweight app that’s free to use, with no hidden costs.
JPEGView
JPEGView is a classic, fast image viewer with basic editing tools for sharpness, color balance, and rotation. It also allows you to play slideshows and supports popular image formats. Despite not being updated recently, it remains a popular choice for those looking for a simple, fast viewer.
XnView
XnView is a powerful photo viewer that also allows you to edit and batch convert images. It supports over 500 image formats, making it highly versatile. The software is free to use, though organizations must purchase a license. It’s ad-free and works on systems from Windows 7 to Windows 11.
123 Photo Viewer
123 Photo Viewer is a robust option for Windows 10, offering smooth slideshow transitions and support for a variety of image formats. It includes fade-in/fade-out effects and even supports PSD files, making it an excellent alternative to the default viewer.
Each of these photo viewers offers a range of features, making them great alternatives to the default Windows photo viewer. Whether you need more functionality, faster performance, or better compatibility with various image formats, these options will enhance your photo viewing experience.
Pictureflect Photo Viewer
Pictureflect Photo Viewer is a lightweight app available on the Microsoft Store, supporting a wide range of image formats including JPEG, PNG, HEIC, WebP, AVIF, BMP, TIFF, and more. With multiple zoom options, you can easily explore every detail of your images. It is available in both free and paid versions, making it a great choice for users who need a simple, easy-to-use photo viewer. If you’re looking for a compact and efficient photo viewer for Windows 10, Pictureflect is worth trying.
qView
qView offers a minimalist interface similar to Image Eye and JPEGView, but with enhanced features. This lightweight app is designed to consume minimal memory and CPU resources, outperforming the default Photos app in Windows 11. Key features include animated GIF controls, image rotation and mirroring, multithreaded preloading for faster image loading, and viewing file history. As an open-source, free tool, qView is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it an ideal option for users across multiple platforms.
Sakura Photo Viewer
Sakura Photo Viewer is a fast and simple photo viewer for Windows 10, offering a straightforward user experience with intuitive tools. Although not as lightweight as other options, it provides excellent speed and smooth performance. Available in both free and paid versions, Sakura supports all basic image formats and offers features like navigating photos by date, one-click deletion, and easy background image setting, making it a solid choice for those who want efficient photo management.
File Viewer Plus 4
File Viewer Plus 4 is a versatile file viewer that supports a wide range of file types beyond just images, including audio, documents, and zip files. While it lacks advanced editing features like exposure and vignette adjustment, it offers basic functions such as Red-Eye Reduction and fast image loading. It supports various formats such as PNG, JPEG/JPG, GIF, TIFF, ECW, EMF, FSH, ICO, PDF, PGM, PPM, TGA, and raw photo formats from high-end digital cameras like Canon and Sony.
Photo Image Viewer
If you’re experiencing slow image loading with the default Photos app, Photo Image Viewer is a great alternative. While it doesn’t include advanced editing features, it performs basic functions like image rotation and resizing with ease. It supports major file formats such as JPG, BMP, GIF, and PNG, and is available for free on the Windows 10 App Store, making it a simple and efficient photo viewer option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best photo viewers for Windows 10 and 11 in 2025?
In 2025, the best photo viewers for Windows 10 and 11 include One Photo Viewer, IrfanView, Phototheca, Nomacs, and XnView. These alternatives offer enhanced features, better performance, and support for a wide range of image formats compared to the default Windows photo viewer.
How do I set a different photo viewer as the default in Windows 10 and 11?
To set a different photo viewer as your default, go to Settings > Default Apps, then select your preferred photo viewer under “Photo Viewer.” You may need to set it for each image format, or you can right-click on an image, choose “Open with,” select “Choose another app,” and check “Always use this app to open these files.”
Are there free photo viewers available for Windows 10 and 11?
Yes, several free photo viewers are available for Windows 10 and 11, such as IrfanView, qView, and Image Eye. These options provide excellent features without any cost, and many are open-source software.
Can these photo viewers support all image formats, including raw files?
Most of the recommended photo viewers support a wide range of image formats, including raw files from digital cameras. For example, One Photo Viewer, IrfanView, and XnView support formats like RAW, TIFF, PNG, JPEG, and even more specialized formats like HEIC and WebP.
Are these photo viewers lightweight and suitable for low-end PCs?
Yes, many of the photo viewers listed, such as qView and Image Eye, are lightweight and designed to work smoothly even on low-end PCs. These options offer fast image loading and minimal resource usage, making them ideal for users with older or less powerful systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best photo viewers for Windows 10 and 11 in 2025?
The best photo viewers for Windows 10 and 11 in 2025 include One Photo Viewer, IrfanView, Phototheca, Nomacs, and XnView. These apps provide a range of features like advanced editing tools, quick image loading, and support for various image formats, making them great alternatives to the default photo viewer.
Can I use these photo viewers on low-end PCs?
Yes, many of the photo viewers listed, such as qView and Image Eye, are lightweight and designed to run efficiently on low-end PCs. These viewers use minimal system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older machines.
Are there free photo viewers available for Windows 10 and 11?
Yes, there are several free photo viewers available, such as IrfanView, qView, and Image Eye. These free options offer powerful features without the need for a paid license, making them perfect for users who want high-quality image viewing without any cost.
Do these photo viewers support all image formats, including raw files?
Most of the photo viewers mentioned in the list, including IrfanView, One Photo Viewer, and XnView, support a wide range of image formats, including raw files from digital cameras. They ensure compatibility with common formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, and more specialized formats such as RAW, WebP, and AVIF.
How do I set one of these photo viewers as the default in Windows 10 or 11?
To set your preferred photo viewer as the default, go to Settings > Default Apps, then choose your photo viewer under “Photo Viewer.” Alternatively, you can right-click an image, select “Open with,” then “Choose another app,” and check the box that says “Always use this app to open these files.”
conclusion
Choosing the right photo viewer for Windows 10 and 11 can significantly enhance your image viewing experience. The 14 best photo viewers in 2025 offer a range of features, from simple and lightweight options like Image Eye and qView to more feature-rich choices like IrfanView, XnView, and Phototheca. Whether you’re looking for faster performance, better format compatibility, or advanced image management tools, these alternatives provide excellent solutions beyond the default Windows photo viewer. With options to suit both casual users and photography enthusiasts, these apps cater to various needs while ensuring smooth performance on both high-end and low-end systems.
