How to open .RAW files on Windows
To open .RAW files on Windows, install Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
Step-by-step instructions
- Install Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
- Open the application and use 'File > Open' to select your RAW file.
Recommended software
- Default Photos app
- Browser preview
- GIMP
Alternative methods
- Open .RAW in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .RAW on Windows with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .RAW only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
Unsupported RAW Format
The software may not support the specific RAW format from your camera.
- Update your software to the latest version.
- Convert the RAW file to a DNG format using Adobe DNG Converter.
Large File Size
RAW files are large and may slow down your computer.
- Ensure your device has sufficient RAM and storage.
- Consider working with smaller batches of files.
Security note
Ensure your RAW files are from a trusted source to avoid malware.