Microsoft Photos is a built-in application in Windows 10 and later versions, designed to manage and edit photos. However, some users may find that the Microsoft Photos executable (exe) is running in the background, consuming system resources without their explicit consent. This can be frustrating, especially for those who prefer using alternative photo management software. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Microsoft Photos exe might be running and provide step-by-step instructions on how to stop it.
Understanding Microsoft Photos exe
Before we dive into the process of stopping Microsoft Photos exe, it’s essential to understand what this executable does. Microsoft Photos is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that allows users to view, edit, and manage their photos. The exe file is responsible for launching the application and performing various tasks, such as syncing photos across devices and updating the app’s database.
Why is Microsoft Photos exe Running in the Background?
There are several reasons why Microsoft Photos exe might be running in the background, even if you’re not actively using the application. Some possible reasons include:
Microsoft Photos is set to launch automatically when you start your computer. This can be due to a setting in the Windows Startup folder or a registry entry that enables the app to start automatically.
The app is syncing your photos across devices, which can cause it to run in the background periodically.
Windows is updating the Microsoft Photos app, which may require the exe to run temporarily.
Identifying Microsoft Photos exe in Task Manager
To confirm that Microsoft Photos exe is running on your system, follow these steps:
Open Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys or by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, click on the Processes tab.
Look for the Microsoft Photos entry in the list of running processes. It may be listed as “Microsoft Photos” or “Photos.exe.”
Check the Status column to see if the process is running or suspended.
Stopping Microsoft Photos exe
Now that we’ve identified the reasons why Microsoft Photos exe might be running and how to find it in Task Manager, let’s move on to the steps to stop it.
Method 1: Disable Microsoft Photos from Startup
To prevent Microsoft Photos from launching automatically when you start your computer, follow these steps:
Open the Startup folder by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “shell:startup” in the Run dialog box.
Look for the Microsoft Photos shortcut in the Startup folder and delete it.
Alternatively, you can disable Microsoft Photos from startup using the Task Manager. To do this:
Open Task Manager and click on the Startup tab.
Look for the Microsoft Photos entry in the list of startup programs.
Right-click on the entry and select Disable.
Method 2: Uninstall Microsoft Photos
If you don’t use Microsoft Photos and want to completely remove it from your system, you can uninstall it. To do this:
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
Click on Apps and then select Apps & features.
Look for Microsoft Photos in the list of installed apps and click on it.
Click the Uninstall button to remove the app from your system.
Method 3: Use the Registry Editor
You can also use the Registry Editor to disable Microsoft Photos from running. To do this:
Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “regedit” in the Run dialog box.
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run
Look for the Microsoft Photos entry in the right-hand pane and delete it.
Alternatively, you can create a new registry key to disable Microsoft Photos. To do this:
Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named “NoMicrosoftPhotos” and set its value to 1.
Preventing Microsoft Photos exe from Running in the Future
To prevent Microsoft Photos exe from running in the future, you can take the following steps:
Disable Microsoft Photos from Syncing Photos
If you don’t want Microsoft Photos to sync your photos across devices, you can disable this feature. To do this:
Open the Microsoft Photos app and click on the Settings icon (represented by a gear).
Click on the “Options” tab and toggle off the switch next to “Sync my photos.”
This will prevent Microsoft Photos from syncing your photos and reduce the likelihood of the exe running in the background.
Update Windows and Microsoft Photos
Keeping your Windows installation and Microsoft Photos app up to date can help prevent issues with the exe running in the background. To update Windows, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and click on Update & Security.
Click on the “Check for updates” button to see if there are any available updates.
Install any available updates and restart your computer.
To update Microsoft Photos, follow these steps:
Open the Microsoft Store app and click on the “Downloads and updates” tab.
Look for Microsoft Photos in the list of available updates and click the “Update” button.
Install the update and restart your computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping Microsoft Photos exe from running requires a combination of disabling the app from startup, uninstalling it, or using the Registry Editor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can prevent Microsoft Photos exe from running in the background and free up system resources. Remember to also disable Microsoft Photos from syncing photos and keep your Windows installation and Microsoft Photos app up to date to prevent issues in the future.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Disable from Startup | Prevent Microsoft Photos from launching automatically when you start your computer. |
| Uninstall | Completely remove Microsoft Photos from your system. |
| Use Registry Editor | Disable Microsoft Photos from running by modifying the registry. |
By taking these steps, you can stop Microsoft Photos exe from running and improve your overall Windows experience.
What is Microsoft Photos exe and why does it run in the background?
Microsoft Photos exe is an executable file associated with the Microsoft Photos app, which is a built-in image viewer and editor on Windows 10 and later versions. The app allows users to view, edit, and manage their photos, as well as create albums and slideshows. When you install Windows, the Microsoft Photos app is installed by default, and its executable file, Microsoft Photos exe, runs in the background to provide various features and services, such as photo indexing and syncing.
The Microsoft Photos exe process runs automatically when you start your computer, and it can consume system resources, such as CPU, memory, and disk space. While the app is designed to provide a convenient and user-friendly experience for managing photos, some users may not need or want the app to run in the background, especially if they use alternative photo management software. In such cases, stopping the Microsoft Photos exe process can help free up system resources and improve overall system performance. However, it’s essential to note that stopping the process may also disable some features and functionality of the Microsoft Photos app.
How do I check if Microsoft Photos exe is running on my computer?
To check if Microsoft Photos exe is running on your computer, you can use the Task Manager, which is a built-in Windows utility that provides information about running processes, system performance, and resource usage. To open the Task Manager, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys or right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, click on the Processes tab, and then scroll through the list of running processes to find Microsoft Photos exe. If the process is running, you’ll see it listed with its corresponding process ID, memory usage, and other details.
If you’re unable to find Microsoft Photos exe in the Task Manager, it’s possible that the process is not running at the moment, or it may be running under a different name or process ID. You can also use the Windows Search function to search for the Microsoft Photos app and check if it’s running. Alternatively, you can use third-party system monitoring tools, such as Process Explorer or System Explorer, to detect and manage running processes, including Microsoft Photos exe. These tools can provide more detailed information about the process, including its command-line arguments, environment variables, and system interactions.
Can I disable Microsoft Photos exe from running at startup?
Yes, you can disable Microsoft Photos exe from running at startup by modifying the Windows startup settings or using the Task Manager to disable the startup entry. To do this, open the Task Manager, click on the Startup tab, and then find the Microsoft Photos entry in the list of startup programs. Right-click on the entry and select Disable to prevent the app from running at startup. Alternatively, you can use the Windows Settings app to disable the startup entry. Go to Settings > Apps > Startup, and then toggle off the switch next to Microsoft Photos to disable it from running at startup.
Disabling Microsoft Photos exe from running at startup can help improve system performance and reduce resource usage. However, keep in mind that disabling the startup entry may also affect the app’s functionality and features, such as photo syncing and indexing. If you need to use the Microsoft Photos app, you can still launch it manually by searching for it in the Start menu or by double-clicking on a photo file. Additionally, you can also consider uninstalling the app or replacing it with alternative photo management software to free up system resources and improve overall system performance.
How do I stop Microsoft Photos exe from running in the background?
To stop Microsoft Photos exe from running in the background, you can use the Task Manager to terminate the process or disable its startup entry. To terminate the process, open the Task Manager, find the Microsoft Photos exe entry in the Processes tab, right-click on it, and select End task or End process tree. This will immediately stop the process and free up system resources. Alternatively, you can use the Windows Services console to stop the Microsoft Photos service, which is responsible for running the app’s background processes.
Stopping Microsoft Photos exe from running in the background can help improve system performance, reduce resource usage, and prevent potential issues, such as high CPU usage or memory leaks. However, keep in mind that stopping the process may also affect the app’s functionality and features, such as photo syncing and indexing. If you need to use the Microsoft Photos app, you can still launch it manually by searching for it in the Start menu or by double-clicking on a photo file. Additionally, you can also consider uninstalling the app or replacing it with alternative photo management software to free up system resources and improve overall system performance.
Will stopping Microsoft Photos exe affect my photos and albums?
Stopping Microsoft Photos exe will not directly affect your photos and albums, as the app stores its data and settings in separate files and folders. Your photos and albums will still be available and accessible through the File Explorer or other photo management software. However, stopping the process may affect the app’s ability to sync and index your photos, which can impact the app’s functionality and features, such as photo searching and filtering.
If you stop Microsoft Photos exe and then restart your computer, the app may not be able to sync or index your photos, which can cause issues with the app’s functionality and performance. To avoid such issues, you can consider uninstalling the app or replacing it with alternative photo management software that can provide similar features and functionality. Additionally, you can also consider backing up your photos and albums to an external drive or cloud storage service to ensure their safety and accessibility, regardless of the app’s status or functionality.
Can I uninstall Microsoft Photos exe from my computer?
Yes, you can uninstall Microsoft Photos exe from your computer, but the process may vary depending on your Windows version and installation. On Windows 10, you can uninstall the app through the Settings app or the Control Panel. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the Microsoft Photos entry, and then click on Uninstall to remove the app. Alternatively, you can use the Control Panel to uninstall the app by going to Control Panel > Programs and Features, finding the Microsoft Photos entry, and then clicking on Uninstall.
Uninstalling Microsoft Photos exe will remove the app and its associated files and settings from your computer, which can help free up system resources and improve overall system performance. However, keep in mind that uninstalling the app may also affect other Windows features and functionality, such as photo viewing and editing. If you need to view or edit photos, you can consider installing alternative photo management software or using online photo editing tools. Additionally, you can also consider reinstalling the app if you need its features and functionality, but be aware that reinstalling the app may also restore its default settings and behavior.