Raw Image Extension 2.5.7.0

Transferred photos from your camera only to find blank thumbnails in File Explorer?

Raw Image Extension solves this by adding native support for camera RAW formats directly in Windows.

After installation, your CR2, NEF, ARW, and other RAW files display proper thumbnails and open in Microsoft Photos without conversion.

Get Raw Image Extension 2.5.7 Free

Supported Camera RAW Formats

The extension covers all major manufacturers and their proprietary formats:

Canon: CRW, CR2, CR3 - from vintage DSLRs to the latest mirrorless EOS R series.
Nikon: NEF, NRW - all D-series and Z-series cameras.
Sony: ARW, SRF, SR2 - Alpha mirrorless and legacy models.
Fujifilm: RAF - X-series and GFX medium format.
Panasonic/Lumix: RW2 - including S-series full frame.
Olympus/OM System: ORF - all OM-D and PEN models.
Pentax: PEF, DNG - K-mount cameras.
Leica: DNG, RWL - M-series and SL models.
Other: DNG (Adobe), 3FR (Hasselblad), IIQ (Phase One), RWZ (Rawzor).

Installation and Usage

Download Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store link below. Installation completes in under a minute with no configuration required.

Once installed, navigate to any folder containing RAW photos - thumbnails generate automatically on first view.

Double-click any RAW file to open it directly in Microsoft Photos for basic viewing and adjustments.

For advanced editing, pair Raw Image Extension with dedicated RAW processors like darktable for non-destructive development, RawTherapee for precise color control, or SILKYPIX RAW Converter for professional demosaic processing.

Canon shooters may prefer Digital Photo Professional for native color profiles.

Alternative RAW Solutions

Need manufacturer-specific codecs for legacy Windows systems? These dedicated options exist:

• Canon RAW Codec - CRW/CR2 support for 32-bit Windows (discontinued).
• NEF Codec - Nikon's official codec for NEF files.
• Sony RAW Codec - ARW support from Sony.
• Pentax RAW Codec - PEF file previews.
• Microsoft Camera Codec Pack - Legacy multi-brand support for Windows 7/8.

For universal format conversion, Adobe DNG Converter transforms any RAW file into the open DNG standard, ensuring long-term compatibility with any editing software.

Need quick online conversion? ConvertICO RAW to Image handles occasional conversions directly in your browser.

Image Viewers with RAW Support

Beyond Windows Explorer thumbnails, these viewers provide full RAW browsing and editing capabilities:

• FastStone Image Viewer - Full-screen RAW preview with EXIF display.
• XnView - Supports 700+ formats including all major RAW types.
• IrfanView - RAW support through plugins with batch conversion.
• ImageGlass - Modern Windows 11 interface with RAW compatibility.

For metadata management across your RAW library, ExifToolGUI provides comprehensive viewing and editing of EXIF, IPTC, and XMP data embedded in your files.

Related Windows Image Extensions

Building complete format support on Windows? These extensions add modern image format compatibility:

• HEIF Image Extensions - View iPhone HEIC photos.
• WebP Image Extensions - Display Google's web format.
• JPEG XL Image Extension - Apple's newest format from iPhone 16.
• AV1 Video Extension - AVIF image support.

System Requirements

Raw Image Extension requires Windows 10 version 1903 or later, including Windows 11.

The extension integrates with Windows Imaging Component (WIC), enabling RAW support across all WIC-compatible applications automatically.

Download Raw Image Extension and finally see your camera photos in Windows Explorer.