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Windows 10 does not ship with native support for previewing raw image files, meaning users can’t view thumbnails or metadata in the Photos app or Windows File Explorer. Microsoft has a solution for photographers in need of this capability, however, and it’s called the Raw Image Extension.
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| A screenshot of the download page for Raw Image Extension. |
The Raw Image Extension gives Windows 10 native support for previewing raw file formats from ‘many mid- to high-end digital cameras,’ according to Microsoft. Once installed, both Windows File Explorer and the Photos app in Windows 10 will support displaying thumbnails and metadata for these raw image files.
The extension is only supported on systems that have installed the Windows 10 May 2019 Update version 1903. Microsoft utilized the libraw open source project for this extension; a full list of supported formats is available here.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)