Work your way through the fixes that follow to fix “File system error (-2147219196)” in Windows 10 and start using Photos as usual again.
Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically deals with errors related to apps belonging to the Microsoft Store (such as Photos). We strongly recommend running it before diving into the rest of the fixes.
Repair the Microsoft Photos App
Repair the Microsoft Photos App
If the Microsoft Store troubleshooter fails to fix “File system error (-2147219196)” in Windows 10, the next course of action involves repairing the Photos app.
Reset the Microsoft Photos App
Reset the Microsoft Photos App
If repairing Photos also didn’t make a difference, try resetting the app to its defaults. To do that, simply follow the instructions in the section above but select Terminate > Reset instead.
Install Microsoft Store Updates
Install Microsoft Store Updates
Assuming that the fixes above didn’t make the “File system error (-2147219196)” pop-up go away, it’s best to check for and install any updates related to Photos and other Store-related apps.
Re-Register the Photos App
Re-Register the Photos App
The following fix involves re-registering the Photos app with Windows 10. The procedure consists in executing a command via an elevated Command Prompt console.
Re-register All Microsoft Store Apps
Re-register All Microsoft Store Apps
If re-registering the Photos app didn’t help, try re-registering all Microsoft Store apps on your PC via an elevated Windows PowerShell console.
Reinstall the Photos App
Reinstall the Photos App
If file corruption is the cause of the “File system error (-2147219196),” completely removing and reinstalling the Windows Photos app may fix the issue. However, the procedure requires running a command as the SYSTEM user. For that, you need a tool called PsExec.
Change Photos App Ownership to TrustedInstaller
Change Photos App Ownership to TrustedInstaller
If the issue persists, change ownership of the Photos app to TrustedInstaller (a special user account in Windows 10) and see if that helps.
Install Pending Windows 10 Updates
Install Pending Windows 10 Updates
Windows 10 updates can improve the stability of apps and the operating system. If you still keep seeing the “File system error (-2147219196)” message, it’s time to use Windows Update.
Uninstall the Most Recent Windows Update
Uninstall the Most Recent Windows Update
Rarely, Windows 10 updates can end up breaking things. If the issue with the Photos app occurred right after installing an operating system update, you might want to consider uninstalling it.
Run an SFC and DISM Scan
Run an SFC and DISM Scan
If none of the fixes above helped, it’s time to run the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. That resolves corruption issues with the operating system.
System File Checker (SFC)
Open an elevated Windows PowerShell console and run the following command: sfc /scannow
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool
After the System File Checker finishes scanning Windows 10 for issues, restart your computer and execute the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
Fully Fix File System Error (-2147219196) in Windows
Fully Fix File System Error (-2147219196) in Windows
The fixes above should’ve helped you resolve the “File System Error (-2147219196)” issue with the Photos app in Windows 10. If not, try using an alternative Windows photo viewing app until Microsoft fixes the problem in a subsequent update. If you can’t wait, your remaining options involve performing a system restore and reverting Windows 10 to factory defaults.
