Windows 7: Windows Live Photo Gallery vs Windows Photo Viewer

Does it matter if I set Windows Live Photo Gallery as the Current Default, instead of Windows Photo Viewer ?
example : ico

Related question :
Why is Windows Live Photo Gallery not in the Default Programs list under Set Your Default Programs window ?

I Know I can use the " Associate a file type ... " to set the program I want as the Current Default, but that is not the point.

Thank you.

Strange... Windows Live Photo Gallery shows in the default programs on my system, in the "Set your default programs" section. I can then click on it and set it to use all of its defaults.

Mine, which is Home Premium, not Ultimate, has Windows Photo Viewer on the list. No WLPG.

Twilight Zone !

That's odd... It shows up for me (see attachment).

As for which one to use, it doesn't really matter. Personally, I use Photo Viewer but I see no difference. Of course, Photo Gallery enables you to edit images but I simply use Paint for that. Easier, more simple and quicker interface. On top of that, I'm used to it.

Anyway, I recommend Photo Viewer. I find it to be a lot less complex than Photo Gallery (which is still not very complex).

Hope that helps,
Jaidyn

Not mine......

You could try a repair install of Windows Live Essentials, but otherwise I'm out of ideas :P

No, it is not an issue.
I just wonder why WLPG is not on the list. No big deal.

There is only one point not mentioned, although I fail to see any relevancy....

I am using Windows Live Essentials 2009 version.
I would assume you two using the 2011 version ?

It all depepneds what you usually do. The Viewer is handy if you just want to dislplay photos. The gallery provides a lot of processing functions if you want to enhance photos - e.g. straighten them out.

I made the Faststone Image Viewer my default because it combines the two plus some extra functions.

If you have MS Office, you also have another great photo viewing and editing app already on your system. Depending on whether you have Win 7, Vista or XP, you have either Microsoft Office Picture Manager or Photo Editor. Both great editing apps that are very effective and user friendly.