- Windows Version Support Summary
- Fix 1: Install WebP Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store
- Fix 2: Set Photos as the Default WebP Viewer
- Fix 3: Enable WebP Thumbnails in File Explorer
- Opening WebP in Windows Paint
- Using IrfanView for Full WebP Support (Any Windows Version)
- The Universal Fallback: Convert to JPG or PNG
- Related Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Windows Version Support Summary
- Fix 1: Install WebP Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store
- Fix 2: Set Photos as the Default WebP Viewer
- Fix 3: Enable WebP Thumbnails in File Explorer
- Opening WebP in Windows Paint
- Using IrfanView for Full WebP Support (Any Windows Version)
- The Universal Fallback: Convert to JPG or PNG
- Related Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
You downloaded a WebP image, double-clicked it, and got an error — or it opened in a browser instead of your image viewer. This is a common problem on Windows because WebP is a relatively recent format and Windows added support in stages across different versions.
This guide covers every scenario: which Windows versions support WebP, how to enable it, how to set up thumbnails in Explorer, and what to do if nothing else works.
Open Any WebP File Without Software Updates
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Add to Chrome — FreeWindows Version Support Summary
| Windows Version | WebP Support | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 (all versions) | Full support in Photos | Nothing — works by default |
| Windows 10 v1903+ (May 2019) | Support with codec | Install WebP Image Extensions from Store |
| Windows 10 older versions | Partial (browser only) | Update Windows first, then install codec |
| Windows 8.1 | No native support | Convert to JPG/PNG, or use IrfanView |
| Windows 7 | No native support | Convert to JPG/PNG, or use IrfanView |
| Legacy Windows Photo Viewer | No support (any version) | Use modern Photos app or convert |
Fix 1: Install WebP Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store
This is the recommended fix for Windows 10 (v1903 or later). The WebP Image Extensions is a free codec package from Microsoft that adds WebP support to the Photos app and Windows Explorer thumbnails.
Install via Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store (search for it in the Start menu).
- Search for "WebP Image Extensions".
- Select the result published by Microsoft Corporation.
- Click Install (free).
- After installation completes, double-click any WebP file — it should open in Photos.
Install via direct link or command
You can also open the Store page directly by opening Run (Win+R) and pasting:
ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9PG2DK419DRGPress Enter — the Store opens directly to the WebP Image Extensions page.
Fix 2: Set Photos as the Default WebP Viewer
Even with the codec installed, Windows might not automatically associate .webp files with the Photos app. To fix this:
Set default app for WebP files
- Right-click any WebP file in File Explorer.
- Select Open with → Choose another app.
- Select Photos from the list.
- Check the box: "Always use this app to open .webp files".
- Click OK.
After this, double-clicking any WebP file will open it directly in Photos.
Fix 3: Enable WebP Thumbnails in File Explorer
By default, WebP files may show as blank icons in File Explorer rather than thumbnail previews. After installing the WebP Image Extensions codec, thumbnails should appear automatically, but sometimes do not due to cache issues.
Enable thumbnails for WebP files
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the View tab (Windows 10) or the three-dot menu (Windows 11).
- Click Options (Folder Options).
- Go to the View tab.
- Uncheck "Always show icons, never thumbnails".
- Click OK.
Clear the thumbnail cache (if thumbnails still do not appear)
- Open the Start menu and search for Disk Cleanup.
- Run Disk Cleanup on the C: drive.
- Check Thumbnails in the file types list.
- Click OK to clear the cache.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to a folder with WebP files — thumbnails should now generate.
Opening WebP in Windows Paint
Windows Paint on Windows 10 (with the WebP codec installed) and Windows 11 can open WebP files. This is useful when you want to quickly save a WebP as JPG or PNG without installing anything:
- Right-click the WebP file.
- Select Open with → Paint.
- Go to File → Save As.
- Select JPEG picture or PNG picture.
- Save.
Using IrfanView for Full WebP Support (Any Windows Version)
IrfanView is a free Windows image viewer that supports WebP without requiring any system-level codec installation. It works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Set up IrfanView with WebP support
- Download IrfanView from irfanview.com (free).
- Download and install the IrfanView All Plugins package (includes WebP support).
- After installation, WebP files open in IrfanView via double-click.
- To convert: open the WebP file, then File → Save As → choose JPG or PNG.
IrfanView is particularly useful if you are on an older Windows version or a managed work computer where you cannot install Microsoft Store apps or run Windows Update.
The Universal Fallback: Convert to JPG or PNG
If you just need the image to open — and you do not need Windows to display WebP thumbnails or handle all future WebP files — the fastest solution is converting the specific file you need:
Convert WebP files before using them
- From the browser: Use the WebP to JPG/PNG Converter extension to right-click and save any web WebP as JPG or PNG
- For downloaded files: Drag the file into the extension popup to convert
- For batches: Use ImageMagick:
magick mogrify -format jpg *.webp
JPG and PNG are universally supported on every Windows version, every image viewer, and every application — no codec, no configuration, no settings changes required.
Convert WebP to JPG — Works on Any Windows Version
No codec installation needed. Convert and open immediately.
Install WebP ConverterRelated Guides
- Why Can't I Save Images as JPG Anymore?
- WebP Not Supported? How to Fix It for Any App
- Batch Convert Multiple WebP Files
- How to Convert WebP to JPG
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows 10 open WebP files?
Yes, on Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019) or later, after installing the free WebP Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Earlier Windows 10 versions need to be updated first. Windows 11 has WebP support built in.
Why won't WebP open in Windows Photo Viewer?
The legacy Windows Photo Viewer (from Windows 7/8 era) does not support WebP and receives no updates. Use the modern Windows Photos app instead. Right-click the WebP file and choose Open with > Photos.
How do I make WebP files open automatically in Windows?
Right-click a WebP file, select Open with > Choose another app, select Photos, and check "Always use this app to open .webp files". The WebP Image Extensions codec must be installed from the Microsoft Store first.
Can Windows Paint open WebP files?
Yes, on updated Windows 10/11 with the WebP codec installed. Open the WebP in Paint, then use File > Save As to convert it to JPG or PNG.
How do I view WebP thumbnails in Windows Explorer?
Install WebP Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. If thumbnails still do not appear, open Folder Options, uncheck "Always show icons, never thumbnails", and clear the thumbnail cache via Disk Cleanup.
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