Easy Ways to Open WebP Files on Windows 10/11 (2024 Guide)

Published on August 23, 2024 | Updated: August 23, 2024 | Reading time: 15 minutes

Table of Contents

Need to open a WebP file right now? Use our free online WebP viewer - works instantly in any browser, no downloads required!

Quick Solution (No Installation Required)

If you need to open a WebP file immediately without installing any software, the fastest method is to use your web browser or an online WebP viewer. This approach works on any Windows computer and requires no technical knowledge or software installation.

Instant Method: Drag and Drop to Browser

Open any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
Drag your WebP file from File Explorer directly into the browser window
The WebP image will display immediately in your browser
Right-click the image to save it in a different format if needed

This method works because all modern browsers have built-in WebP support and can display WebP images natively. It's the most reliable way to view WebP files across all Windows versions, from Windows 7 to Windows 11.

Native Windows Support for WebP

Microsoft has gradually improved WebP support in Windows over recent years. Understanding what's supported natively in your Windows version helps determine which additional tools you might need.

Windows Version Native WebP Support Supported Applications Limitations
Windows 11 Full Support Photos app, File Explorer thumbnails, Paint None
Windows 10 (2019 Update+) Full Support Photos app, File Explorer thumbnails Paint support varies
Windows 10 (Older versions) Limited Support Some apps with updates Requires codec installation
Windows 8.1 and earlier No Native Support None Requires third-party software
Pro Tip: If you're using Windows 10 or 11 and WebP files aren't opening natively, try updating your system through Windows Update. Microsoft regularly adds codec support through system updates.

Method 1: Web Browser (Easiest)

Using a web browser is the most straightforward method to open WebP files on Windows. This approach requires no software installation and works consistently across all Windows versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
Press Ctrl+O or go to File > Open File
Navigate to your WebP file location
Select the WebP file and click "Open"
The image will display in your browser tab

Alternative method: You can also drag and drop WebP files directly from Windows File Explorer into any browser window. This is often faster than using the File menu.

Browser-Specific Features

Google Chrome: Offers the best WebP support with additional features like right-click to save in different formats and zoom controls.

Mozilla Firefox: Provides excellent WebP display with developer tools for inspecting image properties.

Microsoft Edge: Integrates well with Windows and offers smooth WebP viewing experience.

Safari: Supports WebP on Windows with clean, simple viewing interface.

Advantage: This method works on any Windows computer without requiring administrator privileges or software installation.

Method 2: Windows Photos App

The Windows Photos app is the default image viewer in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Recent versions include native WebP support, making it a convenient option for users who prefer using built-in Windows applications.

Opening WebP Files in Photos App:

Right-click on your WebP file in File Explorer
Select "Open with" from the context menu
Choose "Photos" from the list of applications
If Photos isn't listed, click "Choose another app" and select Photos
Check "Always use this app" if you want Photos to be the default WebP viewer

Setting Photos as Default WebP Viewer

To make the Photos app your default WebP viewer:

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps
Click "Choose default apps by file type"
Scroll down to find ".webp" in the list
Click on the current default app (or "Choose a default")
Select "Photos" from the list
Note: If your Windows Photos app doesn't support WebP files, you may need to update Windows or install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, which sometimes includes WebP codec updates.

Method 3: Third-Party Image Viewers

Third-party image viewers often provide more features and better WebP support than built-in Windows applications. Here are the most popular and reliable options:

IrfanView (Free)

IrfanView is one of the most popular free image viewers for Windows and has excellent WebP support.

Installing IrfanView for WebP:

Download IrfanView from the official website (irfanview.com)
During installation, make sure to check "WebP" in the file associations
Download and install the IrfanView PlugIns package for enhanced WebP support
After installation, WebP files will open automatically in IrfanView

XnView (Free)

XnView is another excellent free image viewer with comprehensive format support including WebP.

XnView Setup:

Download XnView from xnview.com
Install with default settings (WebP support is included)
Set XnView as default for WebP files during installation
Use XnView's batch conversion features for multiple WebP files

Paint.NET (Free)

Paint.NET is a powerful free image editor that supports WebP files with the right plugin.

Adding WebP Support to Paint.NET:

Install Paint.NET from getpaint.net
Download the WebP FileType plugin
Copy the plugin file to the Paint.NET FileTypes folder
Restart Paint.NET to enable WebP support
Software Price WebP Support Additional Features Best For
IrfanView Free Excellent Batch processing, format conversion General viewing and conversion
XnView Free Excellent Metadata viewing, slideshow Professional photo management
Paint.NET Free Good (with plugin) Image editing, layers Editing WebP files
Adobe Photoshop Paid Excellent (2021+) Professional editing Professional workflows

Method 4: Install WebP Codec

Installing a WebP codec enables WebP support across multiple Windows applications, including File Explorer thumbnails and various image viewers that rely on Windows codecs.

Installing Google's WebP Codec:

Visit the official Google WebP downloads page
Download the WebP codec for Windows
Run the installer as administrator
Restart your computer to activate the codec
WebP files should now show thumbnails in File Explorer
Benefits of Codec Installation: Once installed, the WebP codec enables WebP support in Windows Photo Viewer, File Explorer thumbnails, and many third-party applications that use Windows imaging components.

Alternative Codec Packages

Several third-party codec packages include WebP support along with other modern image formats:

Method 5: Online WebP Viewers

Online WebP viewers provide instant access to WebP files without requiring any software installation. These tools are particularly useful for occasional WebP viewing or when working on computers where you can't install software.

Using Online WebP Viewers:

Open your web browser
Navigate to an online WebP viewer (like openwebpfile.online)
Click "Choose File" or drag your WebP file to the upload area
The WebP image will display immediately
Use additional features like conversion or download options as needed

Advantages of Online Viewers

Try our How to Open WebP in MS Paint - upload and view your WebP files instantly, with options to convert to JPG, PNG, and other formats!

Method 6: Convert to JPG/PNG

Sometimes the best solution for opening WebP files is to convert them to more widely supported formats like JPG or PNG. This approach is particularly useful when you need to share files with others or use them in applications that don't support WebP.

Online Conversion Tools

Converting WebP Online:

Visit an online WebP converter
Upload your WebP file
Select output format (JPG, PNG, etc.)
Adjust quality settings if available
Download the converted file

Desktop Conversion Software

For batch conversion or regular use, desktop software often provides better performance and more options:

When to Convert: Convert WebP files when you need to edit them in software without WebP support, share them with users who can't open WebP files, or use them in applications that require specific formats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

WebP Files Not Opening in Windows Photos

If WebP files aren't opening in the Windows Photos app:

Check for Windows updates in Settings > Update & Security
Install HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store
Restart your computer after installing updates
Try right-clicking the WebP file and selecting "Open with Photos"

No Thumbnails in File Explorer

To enable WebP thumbnails in Windows File Explorer:

Install the Google WebP codec
Restart File Explorer (or restart your computer)
In File Explorer, go to View > Options > View tab
Uncheck "Always show icons, never thumbnails"
Click "Apply" and "OK"

WebP Files Opening as Unknown File Type

If Windows doesn't recognize WebP files:

Right-click the WebP file
Select "Open with" > "Choose another app"
Select your preferred application
Check "Always use this app to open .webp files"
Click "OK"
Important: If none of these methods work, your WebP file might be corrupted. Try opening it in a web browser first to verify it's a valid WebP file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 10 support WebP files natively?

Windows 10 (version 1903 and later) includes native WebP support in the Photos app and File Explorer. Earlier versions of Windows 10 may require codec installation or third-party software.

Can I open WebP files in Microsoft Paint?

Recent versions of Windows 11 Paint support WebP files. For older versions of Paint or Windows 10, you'll need to install a WebP codec or use alternative software.

Why can't I see WebP thumbnails in File Explorer?

WebP thumbnails require either native Windows support (Windows 10 1903+) or installation of the Google WebP codec. After installation, you may need to restart File Explorer or your computer.

What's the best free software to open WebP files on Windows?

IrfanView is widely considered the best free option for opening WebP files on Windows. It's lightweight, fast, and includes excellent WebP support with additional features like batch conversion.

Can I convert WebP files to JPG without losing quality?

Converting from WebP to JPG may result in some quality loss since both are lossy formats. For best results, use high-quality settings during conversion. If the original WebP was lossless, consider converting to PNG instead.

Do I need administrator rights to install WebP viewers?

Some applications like IrfanView and XnView can be installed without administrator rights using portable versions. However, installing system codecs typically requires administrator privileges.

Need a quick solution? Open your WebP files online - no installation required, works in any browser on Windows!