How to fix
Photos App not zooming images to fit screen
on Windows

Hello. Lately, the Photos App has been acting strangely on my Windows computer. Previously, I always used the zoom-to-fit function but now it does not work properly. The app shows the photos zoomed out. Even if I go and change the setting, it reverts back. What should I do? Any tips would be highly appreciated.

Windows has a free built-in Photos App. It lets people view, edit, compare, create albums and movies. It also has a multi-view mode which let's compare photos and videos in the same window as well as import multiple photos at once. Users can choose how they want to view their photos, the cropping mode.

Unfortunately, recently users started experiencing issues when trying to view pictures. People report that the Photos App does not zoom images to fit the screen. Even if they try to change the mode back to the way it was before, it quickly reverts if users go back to the previously viewed image.

It was found that the bug was caused by a recent Windows update. This is not the first time that Windows updates have caused issues. Back in 2021, we wrote about the network printing error 0x0000011b that paralyzed small businesses.  Most likely, the problem will be fixed when Microsoft releases a new update but in this guide, you will find 4 steps that may help you fix Photos App not zooming images to fit screen in Windows.

It is possible that the issue appeared even if you have not installed the Windows updates. In that case, it could be caused by corrupted files. You can use a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, corrupted system files, BSODs,[ref en-1] and registry[ref en-2] issues. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.

Solution 1. Repair the Windows Photos App

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings
• Click on Apps and choose Apps & features
• Locate Microsoft Photos, and click on the three dots
• Choose Advanced options

• Click on Repair under the Reset section

Solution 2. Uninstall the Latest Windows Update

• In Settings, from the left sidebar, select Windows Update
• On the Windows Update page, click Update History

• From the Related Settings section, choose Uninstall Updates
• To remove an update, select it in the list and then click Uninstall

• Click Yes in the prompt to continue

Solution 3. Perform a System Restore

• Go to the Start menu, type restore, and click on Create a restore point
• Click System Restore, then follow the prompts until you can select a restore point

• Select the one you want (ideally before the Photos App issue appeared) and go ahead with the process

Solution 4. Create a New User Account

• Go to Settings and choose Accounts
• Select Family & other users
• Select Add someone else to this PC
• Click on I don't have this person's sign-in information, and on the next page, select Add a user without a Microsoft account

• Enter a user name, password, or password hint, and then select Next
• Follow the on-screen instructions