Why can't I open my photos on my computer?

Hello Granny0916,

Welcome to the Apple Community,

where some of us do our best to help each other troubleshoot.

Wondering what you tried, and whether you saw an error message (that may help with a solution).

Your photos are most likely viewable by double-clicking the "Photo" icon,

that can be found in the dock at the bottom of your screen.

When the Photos app opens,

click on "Library" in the left menu to see all your photos.

More about using "Photos"

Browse and view photos in Photos on Mac

https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/photos/pht56eafa987/mac

(NB: If your computer is an older model:

You may have "iPhotos" with a different icon, instead of the latest "Photos" app.)

If that hasn't helped:

Your photos may be in the "Pictures" folder.

That can be found from the Finder via opening a "File" > "New Window"

Then clicking "Pictures" in the left menu of the Finder window.

Photos there would open in "Preview" by double-clicking on any files you select.

If that is no help either :

perhaps you may need help to transfer photos from your iPhone to your computer ?

Hope this helps you,

or please feel free to reply,

preferably with:

computer details (year of manufacture (found by clicking the Apple icon at left of top menu bar > "About this Mac")

and which Operating System (eg Mojave, Big Sur) that is installed,

and/or details of the problem / situation.

Cheers :-)

What is the file type of the downloaded photos? If it is HEIF you need the latest update to your photo management apps to open it, or you must use an app or a website to convert them to JPG.

For future photos you can go to Settings/Photo and change the format to Most Compatible.

What kind of computer what operating system, and how did you transfer the photos to your computer?