File Cannot Open

How to Fix Photos Opening as Text Encoding Errors in Microsoft 365

Amos Gikunda Oct 16, 2026 872 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where opening image files prompts a File Conversion dialog asking for text encoding instead of displaying the photo.

How to Fix Photos Opening as Text Encoding Errors in Microsoft 365

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to open an image file on a Windows system with Microsoft 365 installed.
Observed behavior: The image fails to open in a photo viewer and instead launches an Office program displaying a text encoding error or a File Conversion dialog.

Before you start

Ensure your image files have the correct extensions (such as .jpg, .png, or .jpeg) and have not been accidentally renamed with document extensions like .docx or .txt.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Windows Photos as the Default Application

Reassign the default file association to ensure images open in a dedicated photo viewer instead of a Microsoft Office program.

When file associations are altered, Windows may attempt to open images using document editors. Restoring the correct default app resolves this conflict immediately.

Right-click the image

Locate the photo file that is causing the error, right-click on it, and hover over 'Open with' in the context menu.

Choose another app

Select 'Choose another app' from the extended menu to view all available programs on your computer.

Select Windows Photos

Click on 'Photos' (or 'Windows Photos'), check the box that says 'Always use this app to open files', and click 'OK'.

Set Windows Photos as the Default Application

File Association Fixed: Once applied, all images with that specific file extension will automatically open in the Windows Photos app.

Solution 2

Repair or Reset the Windows Photos App

If the Photos app is malfunctioning and forcing files to open elsewhere, repairing it can restore normal behavior.

Solution 3

Repair Microsoft 365 File Associations

Fix Office-related file association conflicts by running the built-in Microsoft 365 repair tool.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Conflict-Free Experience

Tired of Microsoft Office hijacking your image file associations? WPS Office is a lightweight, free alternative that perfectly isolates document management from your system's photo viewers, while maintaining full compatibility with all Microsoft Office formats.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your PC.
3. Enjoy Safe Document Editing: Open and edit your documents without worrying about the software interfering with your image file associations.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxLightweight installation that won't disrupt your system's default photo appsFree and easy-to-use interface with familiar navigationBuilt-in PDF reader and editor

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word try to open my JPG files?

This happens when the default file association for image formats like .jpg or .png is accidentally set to Microsoft Word instead of a dedicated image viewer, forcing Word to attempt to decode the image.

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

If you set the default app to Windows Photos and the file still refuses to open, displays a format error, or appears blank, the image file itself might be corrupted or incompletely downloaded.

What is a text encoding error in Microsoft 365?

A text encoding error occurs when a document editor like Word attempts to read a non-text file (like a photo or an executable) as plain text. Because the binary data of an image does not translate to standard text characters, it results in a File Conversion dialog filled with unreadable symbols.

Document & File Issues