Windows 8: Open images with the photo viewer instead of an app

You can also open pictures automatically with the photo viewer in Windows 8. So you only see a preview and do not immediately land in the full screen view of the photo app. All you have to do is change the standard program. We show you how it works.

Open images in the Windows 8 photo viewer

1. Position the mouse pointer in a corner of the right edge of the screen and click on "Settings" in the displayed charm bar.
2. Open the "Control Panel" and click on »Programs | Default Programs. "
3. Follow the link »Set standard programs«.
4. Scroll down the list on the left and highlight the "Windows Photo Viewer".
5. If you set this program as the default, the assignment automatically applies to all suitable file types.
6. If you want to define the assignment more precisely, you have to "select the standards for this program".
7. Then select the desired graphic formats one after the other such as ».webp«, ».webp« or ».tif« for the assignment.
8. Then confirm the selection with »Save« and close the dialog with »OK«.
9. In the future you will work with the photo display again. This does not affect the use of the »Photos« app. It can still be started directly and is used automatically if the photo display does not recognize a file format.

This practical tip shows you how to reset "Open with ..." to the standard settings.