Will Microsoft's Raw Image Extension work with every camera model?

No. It supports many common raw formats, but very new camera models may not be supported until Microsoft updates the extension. If your camera is new, try the manufacturer's free software or Adobe DNG Converter.

I have a Canon camera. Do I need Canon Digital Photo Professional or can I use Nikon NX Studio?

You need Canon Digital Photo Professional for Canon raw files. Nikon NX Studio works only with Nikon raw formats, and Sony Imaging Edge works only with Sony files. Use the software that matches your camera brand.

What if I don't want to install any software?

You can convert raw files to JPEG using an online service such as jpeg2raw.com, which does not require installation. JPEG files will then open on any Windows computer.

Is there a way to fix a raw file that shows zero bytes?

If a raw file shows zero bytes or cannot be opened by any program, it is likely corrupted and cannot be recovered. Always back up your raw files to prevent data loss.

RAW Files Won't Open on Windows? Here's Why

If raw files won't open on Windows, the problem is usually a missing codec or an application that doesn't yet support your camera model. Raw image formats differ by manufacturer and camera model, so your computer needs the right decoder to view or edit them. The most common fixes are free: Microsoft's Raw Image Extension, Adobe's DNG Converter, and the manufacturer tools from Canon, Nikon, and Sony.

Why Windows Can't Open Your RAW Files

When you double-click a raw file and see an error or a blank image, Windows usually lacks the codec to decode that specific format. Unlike JPEG, which every Windows app can open, raw files are proprietary. A .CR2 or .NEF file requires a decoder that matches your camera model. If your camera is newer than the application you are using, the raw image extension may not yet include support for it. That is why CR2 files not showing thumbnails is a common complaint. If you try to open a NEF file on Windows and get an error, update or add the correct codec.

Install Microsoft's Free Raw Image Extension

Microsoft offers a free Raw Image Extension in the Microsoft Store. This add-on lets Windows File Explorer and the Photos app display thumbnails and open many raw formats. Install it, and raw files that previously showed a generic icon should show a preview and open without a third-party app.

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
Search for "Raw Image Extension".
Click Install. It is free.
Restart File Explorer or your PC if thumbnails do not appear immediately.

This extension covers many common raw formats, but it may not support the newest cameras right away. If your camera is a recent model and raw files still won't open, check for an update from Microsoft or use another tool.

Use Manufacturer RAW Software

Each major camera maker provides free tools that open and process its raw files. These programs are updated regularly to support new cameras, so they are the most reliable option.

Canon Digital Photo Professional

Canon Digital Photo Professional handles .CR2 and .CR3 files. Download it free from Canon's website and use it for editing or converting raw images.

Nikon NX Studio

Nikon NX Studio works with .NEF files and other Nikon raw formats. It replaces older Nikon tools and is a free download.

Sony Imaging Edge

Sony Imaging Edge Desktop supports .ARW files from Sony cameras. It is free and includes viewer and editing functions.

Install the correct manufacturer tool for your camera brand and you can open a NEF file on Windows or any other raw format from that brand. These programs also export images as JPEG, which every Windows app can open.

Convert RAW to DNG with Adobe's Free Tool

Adobe's free DNG Converter converts many camera raw files, including those from new cameras, into the DNG format. DNG is an open raw format that older applications can often open, even if they do not support the original raw file. Use this workaround when your existing application says "new camera raw not supported."

Download and install Adobe DNG Converter from Adobe's website. It is free.
Open the converter and select the folder containing your raw files.
Choose where to save the DNG copies.
Click Convert. The new DNG files should open in many applications that could not read the original raw.

After conversion, you can delete the original raw files if you no longer need them. DNG is still a raw format and may not open in every old program. For maximum compatibility, convert the DNG to JPEG using the same tool or a service like jpeg2raw.com.

Check for File Corruption

If a raw file shows zero bytes in its properties or produces an error in every program you try, it may be corrupted rather than unsupported. Corruption can happen during transfer, from a failing memory card, or due to a camera error. Try these steps:

Copy the file again from your memory card using a card reader.
Try opening it in the manufacturer's tool: Canon Digital Photo Professional, Nikon NX Studio, or Sony Imaging Edge.
If no program can read it and the file size is suspiciously small or zero, the image data is likely lost.

No free tool reliably repairs a corrupted raw file. Prevent corruption by safely ejecting cards and backing up files.

Convert RAW to JPEG for Universal Access

Converting raw to JPG produces a file every Windows app can open. If you need to view, share, or print an image, converting to JPEG is the simplest solution. Use the manufacturer tool mentioned above, Adobe DNG Converter plus another tool, or an online service like jpeg2raw.com. JPEG files are smaller and universally supported, though they lose the editing flexibility of the raw format. For sharing or quick viewing, JPEG is the most practical choice.