How to set Windows Photo Viewer as Default for Photos in Windows 8

Description: By default, Windows 8 will open a full screen Photos app to open photos. This article will show you how to change the default to the desktop friendly app, Windows Photo Viewer.

  1. Move your cursor over to the hot spot in the lower right hand corner of the desktop to activate the side bar.
    Windows 8 Desktop, Hotspot
  2. Click on the Settings icon.
    Windows 8 Charms, Settings
  3. When the Desktop menu comes up click on Control Panel.
    Windows 8 Settings, Control Panel
  4. When the control panel opens, click on Default Programs.
    Windows 8 Control Panel, Default Programs
  5. Click on Set your default program.
    Windows 8 Default Programs, Set Defaults
  6. Scroll down and select Windows Photo Viewer. Click on Set this program as default, and then click on OK.
    Windows Photo Viewer, Set as Default
  7. Now when you click on a picture it will open the familiar Windows Photo Viewer program whose window can be easily minimized, maximized or set to be any size.
    Windows 8 Picture in Windows Photo Viewer

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