How can I view Canon 6D Mark II .CR2 RAW files and thumbnails in Windows 10?

Asked 8/14/2017

2 views

2 answers

I have a Canon 6D Mark II, and Windows 10 initially would not open its .CR2 RAW files in the Photos app or show thumbnails in File Explorer. Is there a Windows codec or extension that adds support for these RAW files, or do I need separate software to view and process them?

windows-10 canon software cr2 raw

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

2 Answers

There seems to be a new codec called Raw Image Extension in Microsoft Store that is based on the LibRaw project. I was prompted to download it when opening a RAW file created by 6D2. However, this extension requires Windows 10 build 18323 (which is an Insider build).

Update: Raw Image Extension is compatible with Windows 10 build 1903 released in May, 2019.

Originally by user76943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user76943

7y ago

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. Canon .CR2 files are RAW data, so Windows may need camera-specific support before Photos or File Explorer can preview them. For Windows 10, Microsoft’s Raw Image Extension adds RAW preview and thumbnail support, including for newer cameras; later reports indicate it works on Windows 10 version 1903 and newer. If Windows still won’t display them, update Windows and install that extension. You can also open and process CR2 files in dedicated RAW software such as Canon Digital Photo Professional, Adobe Camera Raw/Lightroom, or RawTherapee. These are often better choices than the basic viewer because RAW files usually need processing before exporting to JPEG or other standard image formats.

How can I view Canon 6D Mark II .CR2 RAW files and thumbnails in Windows 10?

2 Answers

Your Answer

Related Questions