Raw Image Extension

Raw Image Extension Software

Overview

The Raw Image Extension is a free add-on from Microsoft, distributed through the Microsoft Store, that gives Windows native support for the raw photo formats produced by many digital cameras. It is not a photo editor: it installs a system codec plugin that Windows apps use to decode raw files. Once it is installed, File Explorer shows thumbnails, previews and metadata for raw images, and the Photos app can open them just like ordinary JPEG files. The extension is built on the open-source LibRaw project. Without it, Windows shows only generic icons for most raw files, and photographers have to install a third-party codec or viewer to see their pictures.

It lets you browse, preview and open raw photos from many cameras in File Explorer and the Photos app without installing a separate viewer.

Features

The Raw Image Extension adds the following capabilities to Windows:

• Support for raw formats from many camera makers, including Canon (CR2 and CR3), Nikon (NEF), Sony (ARW), Olympus (ORF), Panasonic (RW2), Fujifilm (RAF) and Adobe DNG
• Thumbnails and previews of raw files directly in File Explorer
• Display of raw image metadata in File Explorer
• Opening and viewing raw photos in the Windows Photos app
• A system-wide codec plugin that other Windows apps can use to decode raw images
• Based on the open-source LibRaw library
• Installation and updates through the Microsoft Store, removal through Windows Settings
• Free of charge, with no license key required

Conclusion

The Raw Image Extension is a small, free codec package for photographers who want to browse and view raw photos in Windows without extra software. It does not edit, convert or batch-process images; for exposure correction, noise reduction or export to JPEG or TIFF, a dedicated raw converter is still needed. The extension requires Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update) or later, or Windows 11, and it works in any app that relies on the Windows imaging codecs. Updates arrive automatically through the Microsoft Store, and newer releases have added formats such as Canon CR3.