How to Add Native RAW Image Format Support to Windows 10


Do you like taking pictures in Raw image formats and wish that the Raw files from your camera were natively supported by Windows 10?

Good news! Targeting 19H1, Microsoft has been working hard to release a new store-delivered Raw codec package that dramatically improves native raw file format support in Windows 10.

The Raw Image Extension adds native viewing support for images captured in raw file formats produced by many mid- to high-end digital cameras. By installing the package, you will be able to view thumbnails and metadata of supported raw file formats right in Windows File Explorer or view images in the Photos app. The current version of the extension supports a long list of cameras, however some Raw formats like .CR3, and .GPR are not currently supported at this time.

Microsoft has also created a 19H1 Bug Bash quest for directions on how to use Raw Image Extension (Beta). If you are running Build 18323 or later, click on this link to open the quest in Feedback Hub.

The latest version of the extension (1.0.307610.0) available starting with Windows 10 build 19603 includes support for Canon CR3 files, increased camera support, and several bug fixes.

Prerequisites:
  • Minimum Windows 10 build 18323.
  • (Optional) An updated Photos app (version 2019.18114.17060.0) is available to Selfhosters in Canary ring. This version of the app adds file associations for additional raw image formats that are supported by the new codec package.

Known issues
  • Exposing camera properties stored as EXIF/XMP metadata is not currently working for some raw image formats.
  • File Explorer hangs when the view state is changed to “Details Pane” and a raw file that activates the new raw codec package is selected.
  • Opening some raw images in Photos app using the new store-delivered raw codec pack gets stuck at low resolution thumbnail image.

This tutorial will show you how to add native RAW image format support for your account in Windows 10.


Contents

  • Option One: Add Native RAW Image Format Support to Windows 10
  • Option Two: Remove Native RAW Image Format Support from Windows 10






OPTION ONE

Add Native RAW Image Format Support to Windows 10


1 Click/tap on the Download button below to open the Raw Image Extension page in the Microsoft Store.
2 Click/tap on Get to open Raw Image Extension app in the Microsoft Store app. This should launch the Store app directly to Raw Image Extensions page inside the Store. (see screenshot below)

Add Native RAW Image Format Support to Windows 10-raw_image_extension_app.jpg

3 In the Microsoft Store app, click/tap on Get to download and install the free package.

4 Verify that you can view and organize your raw image collection in File Explorer:

A) After successful installation of the package, open File Explorer to browse your raw image collection.

B) Verify that thumbnails are now generated for your raw file format images.

C) Right click on an image and click/tap on Properties from the context menu. Click/tap on the Details tab from the properties box to view the EXIF properties (if available in the image) of the camera used to snap the picture.

D) Click/tap on OK to close properties.

5 Verify that your raw images can be viewed in Photos app at full resolution:

A) In File Explorer, double-click a raw file to open the picture in the Photos app if the file format has not been associated with another app.

B) Otherwise, right-click on a raw image, click/tap on Open with from the list of menus, then select the Photos app from the list of apps that shows up.

C) Verify that the image opens successfully at full resolution.






OPTION TWO

Remove Native RAW Image Format Support from Windows 10


1 Uninstall the Raw Image Extension app. (see screenshot below)

Add Native RAW Image Format Support to Windows 10-uninstall_raw_image_extension_app.jpg


That's it,
Shawn