If you’re facing an issue in Windows 11 where the video stops playing in the Photos app when minimizing the window, you’re not alone. This problem is not present in other apps like Movies & TV or VLC, where videos continue to play even when minimized. In this article, we will explore potential causes for this issue and provide troubleshooting solutions to help resolve it.
1. Check the Photos App Settings
First, ensure that the Photos app settings are not interfering with video playback. While there isn’t a direct setting for controlling playback when minimized, there could be related settings like hardware acceleration that might impact performance. Try turning off hardware acceleration:
- Open the Photos app.
- Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select ‘Settings’.
- Scroll down to the ‘Hardware acceleration’ section and toggle it off.
- Restart the Photos app and check if the issue persists.
2. Update the Photos App and Windows 11
Ensure that both the Photos app and Windows 11 are fully updated. Updates often include bug fixes that could resolve issues with playback or minimize behavior:
- Open Microsoft Store, go to the ‘Library’ section, and check for updates for the Photos app.
- For Windows updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click ‘Check for updates.’
- If there are updates available, install them and restart your system.
3. Use the Movies & TV App as an Alternative
If the Photos app continues to cause issues, consider using the Movies & TV app, which works without problems when minimizing. To play videos from the Movies & TV app:
- Open the ‘Movies & TV’ app from the Start menu.
- Select the video you want to watch, and minimize the window.
- The video should continue to play in the background while you work on other tasks.
This can serve as a temporary workaround until the issue with the Photos app is fixed.
4. Consider Third-Party Media Players
If the problem persists across multiple apps, consider switching to a third-party media player like VLC or MPC-HC. These players tend to handle video playback more robustly and don’t stop when minimized. VLC, in particular, is widely used for its stability and extensive feature set:
- Download and install VLC from the official website.
- Open your video file in VLC and minimize the window.
- VLC will continue playing the video without interruption, even when the window is minimized.
5. Check for System Resource Issues
Sometimes, video playback issues can stem from resource limitations, especially if other apps are using a lot of CPU or RAM. Check Task Manager to see if any processes are using excessive resources:
- Right-click the Taskbar and select ‘Task Manager.’
- Look for any processes consuming high CPU, memory, or disk resources.
- If necessary, end these processes to free up resources and improve system performance.
Afterward, try playing the video again to see if the issue is resolved.
6. Conclusion
The issue with videos stopping when minimizing in Windows 11’s Photos app can be frustrating. However, by following these troubleshooting steps, you can either fix the issue or switch to alternative solutions like the Movies & TV app or third-party players. If the problem persists, consider checking for more system-specific issues or reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.
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