Why is Microsoft.Photos.exe trying to access the internet?

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft.Photos.exe is the process for Microsoft Photos, which isWindows 10’s default image viewer. However, some users get a little concerned whenthird-party antivirus softwareflag Microsoft.Photos.exe.

Then antivirus window prompts pop up requesting that users select to either allow or blockPhotos’ internet communications. Some users might wonder whyPhotosis trying to access theinternetand why antivirus utilities flag a trusted Microsoftapp.

There are actually three reasons whyPhotosneeds to access theinternet. Firstly, because Microsoft updates Photos just the same as it updates other UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps that come withWindows 10. Thus, Photos can’t receive any updates without access to the net.

Secondly,Photosincludes a OneDrive syncing option. When users enable OneDrive syncing, Photos syncs images stored in OneDrive cloud storage. The net connection is essential for theapp’s OneDrive cloud storage syncing.

Photos, and other UWPapps, also send data back to Microsoft. That data usually takes the form of diagnostic data. Thus, the Photosapp‘s internet communications can also be outgoing.

Some antivirus software flagPhotos’ internet communications as thatapphave an unknown signature. Microsoft seemingly forgot to add its official digital signature toPhotos. Antivirus utilities don’t recognize programs with unknown signatures and duly prompt their users when thoseappstry to access the net. Users can then select Block options on the antivirus prompts to severPhotos’ net communications.

We’ve written extensively on Photo app issues. Check out these guides for more information.

Why Does the Photo.exe Keep Running?

Some users have also raised this question: Why doPhotoskeep running when it’s not open on the taskbar? That is primarily becausePhotosisWindows 10’s default image viewer configured to run as a backgroundapp.

Windows 10 apps usually have permissions to run in the background so they can get updated and send notifications. Like other defaultapps,Photoskeeps running even when users close its window.

How to Turn Off or Remove the Photos Background App

AlthoughPhotosisn’t a badapp, there are stillquitea fewthird-party image viewersthat are good alternatives. So, it’s worth considering replacingPhotoswith an alternative default image viewer that doesn’t collect data for Microsoft and hogs fewer system resources.

Why is Microsoft.Photos.exe trying to access the internet?#

Why Does the Photo.exe Keep Running?#

How to Turn Off or Remove the Photos Background App#

Why is Microsoft.Photos.exe trying to access the internet?

Why Does the Photo.exe Keep Running?

How to Turn Off or Remove the Photos Background App