The disappearance of Microsoft Office Picture Manager from newer versions of Microsoft Office may have left you looking for a way to reinstall it. Although Picture Manager was replaced by the Photos app, if you still prefer using Picture Manager for quick edits, you can easily install it as a standalone application.
Using Setup Files
To install Picture Manager without downgrading your current version of Microsoft Office, you can utilize the setup files from an older version such as 2003, 2007, or 2010. If you no longer have the setup files, don’t worry. You can obtain the SharePoint Designer setup, which includes Microsoft Office Picture Manager, for free on the official Microsoft website. Regardless of the method you choose, the installation process remains the same.
- Download SharePoint Designer 2010 from the Microsoft website and run the .exe file.
- The installation wizard will launch. Check the box indicating that you accept the terms of the agreement, and select “Continue.”
On the next screen, choose the “Customize” option. From there, select “Not available” for all modules in the list. This ensures that the installation wizard only installs Picture Manager and excludes any other components. If you are using the Office setup instead of SharePoint Designer 2010 setup, there will be a few more modules to choose from. Simply mark everything as “Not available.”
Once you have excluded all elements from the installation, locate Microsoft Office Picture Manager within the “Office Tools” module. Click on the “+” sign next to “Office Tools,” then select the arrow next to “Microsoft Office Picture Manager.” Choose “Run from My Computer.”
Select “Install Now” and allow the wizard to complete the installation.
To open Microsoft Office Picture Manager, search for it in the Start Menu.
Congratulations! You now have Microsoft Office Picture Manager installed and ready to use. It enables you to view and make simple edits to pictures on your computer, and you can even set it as your default picture viewer.
Why Use Microsoft Office Picture Manager?
One compelling reason to consider using Microsoft Office Picture Manager is its significantly faster loading time compared to the Photos app. When you’re in a hurry, Picture Manager can be a more efficient choice.
Picture Manager also offers a few features that the Photos app lacks, such as a red-eye removal tool. While the Photos app does allow for basic picture editing, Picture Manager provides similar functionality and additional capabilities, including the ability to send pictures via email or create an image library on your corporate intranet.
Enjoy the Nostalgic Touch
Microsoft Office Picture Manager evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the XP era from two decades ago. While the Photos app offers a wide range of features (both existing and new), Picture Manager could be a suitable alternative if you’re searching for a faster option developed by Microsoft. If you’re uncertain about using Picture Manager, though, there are alternative photo viewing applications you may also find interesting.