Share via

Microsoft Apps Photos and other standard MS Apps not working after Windows 11 upgrade

OL-Alejandro, Marcelo (Online) 10 Reputation points
2025-09-10T14:13:26.6833333+00:00

We've upgraded approximately 90 computers to Windows 11 and of the 90, there are so far 5 computers where the standard Windows Apps like Photos, Paint, Notepad, Calculator, and Snippet stopped working.   We've not found any common denominator with the non-working vs working computers so far.  In reviewing Microsoft forums and online messages, we've so far we've attempted most fixes except one option, reinstalling the App.   Reinstalling the App requires the computer to connect via the Internet to Microsoft Store, however since the computers are in a Closed Network, they're unable to get the App Store or updates.  

Has anyone run into this or similar issue, specifically for Apps requiring access to Microsoft Store and/or can get or have an offline bundle of the App installer media for side-install of the App?   

Trying to open the start Photos via Powershell using "start-process ms-photos:" results with an error showing "Get an App to open this 'ms-photos' link....Try looking for a compatible on the Microsoft Store" and on some computers "the app is not registered".    We've attempted to Reset and Register the App using Powershell "Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Reset-AppxPackage" and "Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} ", with no success.   

Is there an offline (without Microsoft Store) installer for MS Photos or these other standard Apps? If possible please provide a link or website where to download the install media.  

Thanks in advance for the assist.

  • Moved from Sysinternals 
Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Performance | Application technologies and compatibility

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Quinnie Quoc 6,235 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-10T14:47:12.2733333+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for reaching out and providing detailed context. We understand the challenge you're facing with several Windows 11 devices where built-in apps such as Photos, Paint, Notepad, Calculator, and Snipping Tool are no longer functioning, especially within a closed network environment.

    While most default apps are distributed and updated via the Microsoft Store, there are supported methods to reinstall them offline using the Windows Package Manager (winget) or by downloading app bundles manually. For example, apps like Paint and Snipping Tool can be reinstalled using offline installers provided by Microsoft. Additionally, this Windows 11 Forum guide outlines how to use winget install commands to reinstall core apps without accessing the Store directly.

    Please note that winget requires the App Installer to be present on the system. If it's not available, you may need to sideload the App Installer package first. For environments with strict network controls, we recommend setting up an internal package repository or using deployment tools like Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager to distribute app packages securely.

    If my message is useful for you, please vote for me.

    Best regards,

    Quinnie Quoc.

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.