File Cannot Open

How to Fix Cannot Open JPG Files in Windows or Email Attachments

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to open JPG image files saved in local Windows folders or received as email attachments.

How to Fix Cannot Open JPG Files in Windows or Email Attachments

Product: Windows Photos
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to view a JPG image from a local directory or downloaded from an email attachment.
Observed behavior: The JPG file fails to open, indicating potential issues with file extensions, default app associations, or system file corruption.

Before you start

Before altering system settings, try opening a different JPG file to determine if the issue is with a specific corrupted image or if it affects all JPG files on your device.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify File Extension and Reset Default App

The most common reason a JPG file won't open is an incorrect file extension or a misconfigured default image viewer in Windows.

Sometimes files downloaded from emails lose their proper extensions. Ensuring the file ends in .jpg and assigning the correct default app will usually solve the problem instantly.

Check the file extension

Right-click the problematic image file, select 'Rename', and ensure the file name ends with '.jpg'. If extensions are hidden, go to the View tab in File Explorer and check 'File name extensions'.

Set the default Photos app

Right-click the JPG file, hover over 'Open with', and click 'Choose another app'. Select 'Photos' (or your preferred viewer) from the list, check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .jpg files', and click OK.

Verify File Extension and Reset Default App

Tip: If the file opens successfully after changing the default app, your previous image viewer may be corrupted or outdated.

Solution 2

Repair or Reset the Windows Photos App

If the default Windows Photos app is corrupted, repairing or resetting it through Windows Settings can resolve the opening failure.

Solution 3

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Use the built-in Windows System File Checker tool to scan for and restore corrupted Windows system files that may be preventing images from opening.

Fast & Reliable Image Viewer

Open and Manage JPG Files Easily with WPS Office

WPS Office comes with a built-in lightweight picture viewer that seamlessly opens JPG, PNG, and other image formats, making it easy to view email attachments without relying on the default Windows Photos app.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Locate your image: Find the JPG file or save the email attachment to a local folder on your computer.
3. Open with WPS: Right-click the JPG file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to instantly view your image.

Built-in lightweight picture viewer for fast JPG and PNG renderingFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats and email attachmentsAll-in-one suite to easily insert images into documents, spreadsheets, and presentations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't JPG attachments open directly from my email?

Email clients sometimes block attachments from opening directly for security reasons, or the file might not be fully downloaded. To fix this, save the attachment to your local drive first, then try opening it from your file explorer.

How do I know if my JPG file is actually corrupted?

If you can open other JPG files without issue but one specific file fails to open on multiple devices or programs, that specific file is likely corrupted. You will need to request the sender to resend a new copy.

Can a computer virus prevent JPG files from opening?

Yes, malware can alter file associations, encrypt your files, or corrupt the default photo viewing application. Running a full system virus scan using Windows Defender or a trusted third-party antivirus is highly recommended if multiple files suddenly stop working.

Document & File Issues