Ways to Open WebP Images on Windows 11/10 

WebP is Google’s image format that produces smaller file sizes than JPEG and PNG at equivalent quality. Websites increasingly use WebP to load faster — but Windows 10 and 11 don’t always support it out of the box. Here’s how to open and view WebP images on Windows in 2026.

Why Windows May Not Open WebP Images

Windows 10 added native WebP support through the Photos app in 2019 via a codec update. Windows 11 includes WebP support by default. If your PC still can’t open WebP files, the codec may not be installed or your Photos app may be outdated.

Method 1: Update Windows Photos App (Quickest Fix)

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Click your profile icon → Downloads and updates
3. Click Get updates to update all apps including Photos
4. After updating, try opening the WebP file again in Photos

Method 2: Install WebP Image Extensions

If Photos still can’t open WebP after updating:

1. Open Microsoft Store and search WebP Image Extensions
2. Install the free WebP Image Extensions app
3. Restart the Photos app
4. WebP files now open in Photos and show thumbnails in File Explorer

Method 3: Open WebP in a Browser

All major browsers — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera — support WebP natively. Simply drag any WebP file into a browser window and it opens immediately. Right-click → Save image as to save a copy as WebP or convert it. This works on any version of Windows without installing anything.

Method 4: Convert WebP to JPG or PNG

If you need the image as a JPG or PNG instead:

• CloudConvert WebP to JPG — free online, supports batch conversion
• iLoveIMG — free, no account needed
• Paint — if WebP opens in Photos, right-click the file → Open with → Paint → File → Save As → choose JPEG or PNG
• IrfanView — free image viewer that opens WebP and converts to any format. Download from irfanview.com

Method 5: Use IrfanView as Default Image Viewer

IrfanView is a free, lightweight image viewer that supports WebP along with 100+ other formats. Install it, then right-click any WebP file → Open with → IrfanView. You can set it as the default viewer for all image formats including WebP, HEIC, and RAW files. It also does batch conversion, resizing, and basic editing.

Method Comparison

Method	Install Needed?	Converts?	Best For
Update Photos App	No	No	Quickest fix for most users
WebP Image Extensions	Yes (free)	No	Permanent fix with thumbnails
Open in Browser	No	Save as WebP	One-off viewing, no install
CloudConvert / iLoveIMG	No	Yes (to JPG/PNG)	Batch online conversion
IrfanView	Yes (free)	Yes	Best all-round viewer + converter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I open WebP files on Windows 10?
Install the free WebP Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store — search “WebP Image Extensions” and install. After that WebP files open in Windows Photos and show thumbnails in File Explorer. Alternatively, drag the file into Chrome or Edge to open it instantly without installing anything.

How do I convert WebP to JPG on Windows?
Open the WebP file in a browser, right-click → Save image as → it saves as WebP. For JPG conversion, use CloudConvert free online, or open the file in Paint (if Photos can open it) and Save As JPEG. IrfanView handles batch WebP to JPG conversion locally for free.

Does Windows 11 support WebP natively?
Yes — Windows 11 includes WebP support in Photos by default. If WebP files still won’t open on Windows 11, update the Photos app via Microsoft Store. The WebP Image Extensions app from the Store also adds File Explorer thumbnail support.