You could always install a different image viewing program and set it as the deafult. Irfranview is one that comes to mind. Small, fast, can even serve as a respectable low-end image editor. It's important to remember that you're not limited to only the programs Microsoft supplies or even those available through Microsoft's "store" app. The ones bundled with Windows are generally designed to be "good enough" solutions for most cases, but little else, so if you need something more, dump 'em and get something else.
Not really liking the mouse grab top middle and drag down to close pictures and videos, etc. Any other way using the keyboard? Otherwise I'm really liking 8.1 (came from Win XP).

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic