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How to Open WebP Files on Windows

Harran Ali
Senior Software Engineer & Web Application Architect

Table of Contents

Opening a WebP Image on Windows

Introduction

If you’ve downloaded a .webp image and aren’t sure how to open it, don’t worry. WebP is a modern image format supported by Windows and most modern applications.

Depending on your version of Windows and the software installed on your computer, there are several easy ways to view WebP images.

This guide covers the best methods for opening WebP files on Windows 11 and Windows 10.


Method 1: Open WebP with Windows Photos

The easiest way to open a WebP image is with the built-in Photos app.

  1. Locate the .webp file.
  2. Double-click the file.
  3. If Photos is your default image viewer, the image will open immediately.

If another application opens instead, right-click the image, choose Open With, and select Photos.


Method 2: Open WebP in Microsoft Paint

Recent versions of Microsoft Paint support WebP images.

  1. Open Paint.
  2. Select File → Open.
  3. Choose your WebP image.
  4. Edit the image if needed.
  5. Save it as WebP, JPG, PNG, or another supported format.

Paint is a simple option if you want to make quick edits or convert the image to another format.


Method 3: Open WebP in Your Web Browser

All modern browsers support WebP images.

Simply drag the file into one of these browsers:

  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Opera

The image will open instantly.


Method 4: Use Another Image Viewer

Many popular image viewers also support WebP.

Examples include:

  • IrfanView
  • XnView MP
  • ImageGlass
  • FastStone Image Viewer

These applications offer additional features like zooming, editing, batch processing, and metadata viewing.


Why Won’t My WebP File Open?

If your WebP image doesn’t open, one of these issues is usually the cause.

Your Software Is Outdated

Older versions of Windows image viewers and photo editors may not support WebP.

Updating the application often resolves the issue.

The File Is Corrupted

If the download was interrupted, the image may be damaged.

Try downloading the file again.

The File Extension Was Changed

Some files are renamed incorrectly.

Ensure the file actually contains WebP image data and hasn’t simply been renamed.


How to Convert WebP to JPG

If an application doesn’t support WebP, converting the image to JPG is usually the fastest solution.

JPG works with nearly every image editor, printer, website, and operating system.

Use Free WebP to JPG to convert one image or batch-convert multiple files directly in your browser.


How to Make JPG the Default Format

Many people ask if they can stop Windows from using WebP.

Windows doesn’t automatically convert your images to WebP. It simply opens whatever format the website or camera provides.

If you prefer working with JPG files, converting downloaded WebP images is the simplest approach.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 11 support WebP?

Yes. Windows 11 includes support for WebP in the Photos app and Microsoft Paint.

Does Windows 10 support WebP?

Most updated Windows 10 systems support WebP. If your computer doesn’t, updating Windows or using a modern browser usually solves the problem.

Can Microsoft Paint open WebP files?

Yes. Recent versions of Microsoft Paint can open, edit, and save WebP images.

Why can’t I open a WebP file?

The most common reasons are outdated software, a corrupted download, or an application that doesn’t support the WebP format.

Can I convert WebP to JPG?

Yes. If a program doesn’t support WebP, you can easily convert it using Free WebP to JPG.


Written by

Senior Software Engineer & Web Application Architect

12+ years of experience in software engineering and web application security

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