What is causing the “Package could not be registered” error?
We investigated this particular error message by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that were used in order to mitigate the problem. Based on the majority of user reports, there are several different potential culprits that are known to trigger this particular issue:
Method 1: Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
One of the most popular fixes out there for the “Package could not be registered” error is to simply run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Some users encountering the same issue have reported that upon running the troubleshooter, the utility realized that the Photos app was broken and recommended to reset the app. Keep in mind that the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter holds a collection of repair strategies for common Store apps problems such as this one. If a repair strategy is applicable, the utility will automatically recommend the right fix for the issue. Here’s a quick guide on running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter: If the “Package could not be registered” error is still occurring, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Repairing corrupt system files
One of the most common causes, why this particular error message appears, is corrupted system files. Several affected users have reported that the issue was resolved entirely after they used an elevated Command Prompt to perform a series of scans capable of repairing the system files of corruption. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If you’re still encountering the “Package could not be registered” error when opening certain files, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Resetting the Photos app
Some affected users have reported that they finally managed to resolve the issue after following the step appropriate to reset the Photos app. This procedure is not destructive at all, but it has the potential of making you lose some user settings regarding your Photos app. Here’s a quick guide on resetting the Photos app: If the “Package could not be registered” error is still occurring, move down to the next method below.
Method 4: Reinstalling the Photos app using Powershell
Several affected users have reported that the “Package could not be registered” error finally stopped occurring after they used a series of commands to uninstall and then reinstall the default Photos app using Powershell. This procedure will remove all files associated with this program, rather than refreshing the cache and the files that are most likely to be affected by corruption. Here’s a quick guide on reinstalling the Photos app using an elevated Powershell window: If you’re still encountering the “Package could not be registered” error, move down to the next method below.
Method 5: Switching back to the classic Windows Photo Viewer
Several affected users have reported that the issue was resolved after they effectively replaced the Photo Viewer app with the old Windows Photo Viewer application. Now, this procedure is a little tricky considering that Windows 10 does no longer officially support this app. However, there is some registry tweak that you can do in order to make the switch back to the classic Windows Photo Viewer and eliminate the “Package could not be registered” error. Here’s a quick guide on switching back to the classing Windows photo viewer:
Method 6: Performing a Repair install
If you’ve come this far without a result, one last available repair strategies are to perform a repair install. This procedure is widely superior to a clean install since it will allow you to refresh all Windows components that might be causing this issue while allowing you to keep all personal files (photos, videos, images) and applications or games. If you decide to go for a repair install, you can follow this guide (here).
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