Unable to set Windows Photos as default app to open .jpg files in Bridge

Question

When I right-click a .jpg file in Bridge there is no usable option provided by “open with”. I have tried browsing to Windows Photos app, but it is hidden. I have also tried changing the Preferences via Edit/Preferences but again Photos is not an option. The only way I can get what I want is by right-clicking the image in Bridge, selecting “Reveal in Explorer”, and selecting “Photos” from the menu provided.

Can I not open the image in Photos directly from Bridge?

CORCTON34033231 · Answer

Hi — this is expected behavior, not something you're doing wrong. Bridge doesn't use the Windows system default app; it opens files according to its own list under Edit > Preferences > File Type Associations.

The reason Photos never appears there: the Windows Photos app is a Microsoft Store (UWP) app installed in the protected WindowsApps folder, so it doesn't show up in Bridge's application picker and can't be browsed to — that's the "hidden" part you're running into. There's no direct way to add it.

Your current workaround (right-click > Reveal in Explorer, then open with Photos) is the practical route. If you'd like one-click opening from Bridge, choose any classic desktop image viewer in File Type Associations instead.

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.