Microsoft Releases Free RAW Image Viewer Extension for Windows 10

If you’re a Windows user—or a Mac user who’s been contemplating a switch—Microsoft just made it a little easier to switch over by releasing a useful new RAW Image Extension for Windows 10.

The free extension lets you preview RAW files in Windows File Explorer and open them in the native Photos app—no more using Photoshop or Lightroom to preview something, only to realize you opened the wrong file. Combine this new extension with the popular QuickLook extension that allows you to preview files in File Explorer by simply pressing the spacebar, and it brings Windows’ File Explorer much closer to the experience Mac users are used to in Finder.

According to the download page, the current version of the extension “supports a long list of cameras, however some Raw formats like .CR3 and .GPR are not currently supported.” No doubt these will be added as the extension is kept up to date by Microsoft.

To download and install the extension for yourself, make sure you have the May 2019 version of Windows 10 installed (version number 1903 or later), then head over to the Microsoft Store.

(via Lifehacker)