Unable to Save Changes Photos app error in Windows 11

After you finish editing an image, if you receive an Unable to Save Changes error in the Photos app in Windows 11 when you try to save the image, then this post will help you

Unable to Save Changes. There was an error while saving. Please try again later.

This issue often arises for reasons like permission settings, corrupted files, or system glitches. Therefore, after thorough research, we created a list of some of the most effective troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue and continue using the Microsoft Photos app seamlessly on your Windows 11 device.

Fix Unable to Save Changes Photos app error in Windows 11

When the Microsoft Photos app error appears to be a consistent issue, and many users have been talking to different forums about this unexpected problem. Hence, finding a solution to this error is crucial to ensure you can save and access your photos without any hindrance.

Before you try the primary methods below, check if your Firewall is blocking the app. If it is, allow the Photos app in the Firewall settings. At the same time, make sure that you install any pending Windows updates. But if that doesn’t help, try the troubleshooting steps below to fix the unable to save error in the Photos app:

Run the Microsoft Store Apps Troubleshooter
Save the file in a different location
Change graphics settings to High Performance
Change folder permission
Reset or repair the Photos app
Re-register Microsoft Apps
Change to another file format using MS Paint

1] Run the Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter

The first thing you should try is using the Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter. It will detect any issues that are causing the Microsoft Photos app error, and fix them accordingly.

For this, you need to run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter from the Windows Settings.

2] Save the file in a different location

It could be possible that the Photos app does not have the necessary permissions to save the file in a certain location. Hence, saving the file in a different location can help you fix the issue and the Photos app should save the file without any error.

To change the save destination folder, edit the photo and then, select Save as.

Now, instead of the default save location, select a different location, for example, Desktop, Documents, My Pictures, etc. to save the file.

You can also save it in a different drive. For example, instead of saving it in the C drive, save it in the D drive.

Read: Photos app is slow to open or not opening in Windows

3] Change graphics settings to High Performance

If you still encounter the unable to save Photos app error, it could be related to a graphics issue in the app. In this case, changing the graphics settings to High Performance can help you get rid of the error. Here’s how:

Launch the Settings app (Win + I), click on System, and then select Display on the right.

On the next screen, scroll down to the bottom, and under Related settings, click on Graphics.

Next, go to the apps list on the right and click on Photos to expand the section. Select Options.

Now, in the Graphics Preference window, select High Performance and press Save.

4] Change folder permission

For errors due to permission issues, you can change the Folder permissions by allowing Full Control over the folder where the app is saved.

Read: Oops! We couldn’t save that one – Windows Photos App

5] Reset or repair the Photos app

If the Photos app is still unable to save your file and throws the same error, it could be because there’s a problem with the app files. In this case, you can reset or repair the app to fix the issue.

For this, open the Settings app (Win + I) > Apps > Apps & features > App list > Photos > Advanced options > Reset.

Now, click on the Reset button. This will reinstall the app and revert to its default settings and the app’s data will be deleted.

But if you want to retain the app’s data, press the Repair button. It will detect the issue and repair the app without affecting your app data.

6] Re-register Microsoft apps

Since the Photos app is a Microsoft Store app, it could be possible that there’s a problem with the Store apps. In this scenario, we recommend re-registering the Microsoft apps using Windows PowerShell to fix the issue.

Read: Next or Previous arrows missing in the Photos App of Windows

7] Change to another file format using MS Paint

In this method, you can use the MS Paint app to resolve the problem if the Microsoft Photos app throws an error.

For this, open the file in the MS Paint app and save it in another file format. For example, select JPG instead of PNG.

Now, open this new file in the Photos app, edit it, and then try to save the file.

How do I fix the Microsoft Photos app in Windows 11?

To fix the Microsoft Photos app in Windows 11, navigate to Settings (Win + I), and select Apps & features. Next, scroll down to find the Photos app, click the three dots, and select Advanced options. From here, click the Repair button. If that doesn’t work, try the Reset option to resolve any issues with the app.

Read: Photos app not working, is missing, or keeps crashing

Why are my Photos not loading in Windows 11?

To fix the issue when photos are not loading in Windows 11, reset the Photos app. For this, press the Win + I shortcut to open Settings, select Apps, and locate Photos. Select it, click on Advanced Options, and hit Reset. This common troubleshooting can restore app functionality, often resolving image display issues.