Why Your Photo Won't Open on Windows and How to Fix It
Windows cannot open your photo because it does not include built-in support for newer or specialized image formats like HEIC, AVIF, WebP, and RAW. The Photos app and File Explorer thumbnails rely on installed codecs, and when the codec for your format is missing, Windows treats the file as unreadable.
Why HEIC photos won't open
HEIC is the default format from iPhones since iOS 11. Windows 10 and 11 do not ship with the HEIF codec pre-installed, so any HEIC file you receive from an iPhone or download from iCloud will show an error or a codec-missing prompt in the Photos app.
The fix: Install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Open the Store app, search for "HEIF Image Extensions," and install the package published by Microsoft Corporation. Once installed, HEIC files open immediately in Photos and display thumbnails in File Explorer. No restart is required. If the Microsoft Store shows a paid version, search instead for "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" which often includes HEIF support and may be free depending on your hardware.
Why AVIF photos won't open
AVIF is a newer format offering better compression than JPEG, but Windows does not include an AVIF codec as of early 2025. The Photos app displays an error or a blank preview when you try to open an AVIF file.
The fix: Install the AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store, which adds AVIF support. Search for "AV1 Video Extension" and install it. After installation, AVIF images open in Photos and show thumbnails. If this extension is unavailable or does not work, use a third-party viewer like IrfanView with the appropriate plugin, or convert the AVIF file to JPEG or PNG using a dedicated tool.
Why WebP photos won't open
WebP is Google's image format, widely used on websites for its small file size. Windows 10 and early Windows 11 builds lack WebP codec support, so downloaded WebP images fail to open in Photos and show generic icons in File Explorer.
The fix: Windows 11 version 22H2 and later include native WebP support. Update Windows through Settings > Windows Update to enable it. For Windows 10 or older Windows 11 builds, install the Webp Image Extensions package from the Microsoft Store. Search for "Webp" and install the official extension. Alternatively, install a codec pack like the WebP Codec for Windows from Google's developers site, though the Store method is simpler and safer.
Why RAW photos won't open
RAW files (.CR2, .NEF, .ARW, .DNG, and dozens of other extensions) are unprocessed sensor data from digital cameras. Windows does not include codecs for most RAW formats because each camera manufacturer uses a different specification. Photos displays a "file format not supported" error.
The fix: Install the Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store. Search for "Raw Image Extension" and install it. This codec pack supports RAW formats from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and many other brands. After installation, RAW files open in Photos, though they may appear less saturated than in dedicated RAW editors because Windows applies a basic conversion. If your specific camera's RAW format still does not work—especially with very new camera models—use the manufacturer's software (Canon DPP, Nikon NX Studio, Sony Imaging Edge) or convert the RAW file to DNG using Adobe DNG Converter, then try opening the DNG in Photos.
If codec installation fails
Sometimes the Microsoft Store does not install extensions correctly due to permission errors or interrupted downloads. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator and run wsreset.exe to clear the Store cache, then try installing again. If the Store remains broken, download codec packs directly from the publishers' websites, though this requires more caution to avoid bundled software.
For cameras with proprietary RAW formats not covered by the official extension, third-party programs like FastStone Image Viewer or XnView support a wider range. These programs read RAW files directly without system-wide codec installation.
FAQ
Can I make Windows open these formats by default without installing anything?
No. Windows requires codec installation for HEIC, AVIF, WebP, and most RAW formats. Only JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF open without additional software.
Will installing these codecs slow down my computer?
No. Codecs are small libraries that load only when you open a file of that type. They do not run in the background or affect system performance.
Do I need to install a codec for every RAW format?
Usually not. The Raw Image Extension supports dozens of formats in one package. If your specific camera is too new or too obscure, you may need the manufacturer's viewer or a conversion step.
Fixing the problem long-term
Installing the relevant codec solves the immediate error, but if you frequently receive photos in formats Windows does not support, consider whether converting files as they arrive is more practical than maintaining multiple codecs. A batch conversion tool or a service that handles dozens of formats ensures that every image you store is readable on any Windows machine without troubleshooting codec issues each time you upgrade or reinstall the operating system.