FIX: File System Error (-2147219196) in Windows

If you’re trying to open photos, videos, or apps like Windows Photo Viewer or Calculator and hit with File System Error (-2147219196), you’re not alone. This is a common issue on Windows 10 and 11, and it usually means something’s wrong with a system file or a Windows app.

Good news? It’s fixable—and usually without a full reinstall.

What Causes File System Error (-2147219196)?

This error often pops up because of:

• Corrupted Windows Store apps
• Broken system files
• Pending Windows updates
• Incorrect file permissions
• Malware or disk errors

Now let’s get to the fix.

How to Fix File System Error (-2147219196)

✅ 1. Run Windows Update

Sometimes, this error is patched by Microsoft but you’re just missing an update.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
• Click Check for updates
• Install everything and restart your PC

✅ 2. Repair the App with the Error

If it’s the Photos app, Calculator, or another Windows app causing trouble:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
• Find the app (e.g. Photos)
• Click Advanced options
• Click Repair
  If that doesn’t help, try Reset (just below Repair).

✅ 3. Reinstall the App via PowerShell

If repair/reset fails, uninstall and reinstall the app using PowerShell:

1. Right-click Start, open Windows PowerShell (Admin)
2. Run the following command to remove Photos:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Reinstall it from Microsoft Store or with:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.Photos | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

✅ 4. Run System File Checker (SFC)

To repair corrupted system files:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to finish. If errors are found and fixed, reboot your PC.

✅ 5. Check Disk for Errors

A failing disk can trigger this too.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run:

chkdsk C: /f /r

It may ask to run on next restart—type Y and reboot.

✅ 6. Use DISM to Repair Windows Image

Another advanced repair tool:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Let it finish (can take a while). Then run SFC again just to be safe.

Final Thoughts

File System Error (-2147219196) is annoying, but it usually comes down to a bad app install or corrupted system file. You don’t need to reset your PC or reinstall Windows right away—one of the steps above usually does the trick.

Still stuck? Leave a comment with your system version and error context—I’ll help you troubleshoot.