Canon RAW Codec is a plugin enabling your Windows operating system to support Canon RAW image files, with the CR2 file extension. This application is compatible with EOS (Electro-Optical System) and PowerShot products. So recently upgraded from 70D to 6D mark II and the windows 10 raw preview in windows 10 explorer doesn't seem to be working? This camera came out July 2017 how long does it usually take for a codec to be released? Jan 16, 2015 Canon RAW Codec on 32-bit and 64-bit PCs. This download is licensed as freeware for the Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) operating system on a laptop or desktop PC from camera software without restrictions. Canon RAW Codec 1.11.0.75 is available to all software users as a free download for Windows 10 PCs but also without a hitch on Windows 7 and Windows 8. Canon RAW Codec is a plugin enabling your Windows operating system to support Canon RAW image files, with the CR2 file extension. This application is compatible with EOS (Electro-Optical System) and PowerShot products. So recently upgraded from 70D to 6D mark II and the windows 10 raw preview in windows 10 explorer doesn't seem to be working? This camera came out July 2017 how long does it usually take for a codec to be released? I have done my fair share of of googling of the issue but there doesn't seem to be any solution other than continuing to shoot raw + jpeg. This RAW codec software download is currently available as version 1.11.0.75. Compatibility may vary, but generally runs on a Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7 desktop and laptop PC. Canon RAW Codec has been tested for viruses, please refer to the tests on the 'Virus Tests' page. It is published by Canon.
Many digital camera users find that they cannot preview RAW image files on Windows computer, which makes it inconvenient to browse or edit RAW files. Saving captures in JPEG + RAW format is a workaround, but it will increase the burden of memory card space. What’s the perfect solution for viewing RAW images on Windows 10? In this tutorial, we are going to learn how to view RAW thumbnails with camera codecs and open RAW pictures with RAW viewer on Windows 10.
View RAW Files with Microsoft Camera Codec Pack on Windows 10
You may have found that Windows 10 allows users to preview thumbnails of some RAW images, like ARW, DNG and CR2, and open these RAW pictures with Photos app. As a matter of fact, Windows 10 is built-in with Microsoft camera codec pack, which automatically recognizes those device-specific file formats and allows users to preview RAW files in Windows Explorer without third-party apps.
With thumbnail preview, it would be super convenient to find or edit RAW image files with professional editing tools. Nevertheless, since Microsoft has stopped updating the codec pack, there are still plenty of RAW formats that Windows 10 doesn’t support, like NEF and ORF.
Tip: If you want to view RAW files on Windows 7 or Windows 8, please download Microsoft camera codec pack manually.
View RAW Images on Windows 10 with Codec for Specific Camera
If Windows 10 doesn’t support the RAW image format of your camera, then it will only show the default image icons instead of thumbnails of your images. In this case, you need to install a specific codec for the RAW format or camera model, which will work like Microsoft camera codec pack and display thumbnails of the specific RAW file type.
Normally, you should be able to find the codec on manufacturer’s website, but there are also several useful third-party codec websites. Here we’re going to show how to install Nikon NEF codec to Windows 10 from such a codec site.
- Step 1. Visit http://www.free-codecs.com
- Step 2. Input “NEF codec” in the top-right search box and hit Enter.
- Step 3. From the results, click link: NEF Codec 1.31 Free Download.
- Step 4. View the information page, then click Download button on the right section and another download button on the new page.
- Step 5. Click the downloaded .exe file to start installing camera codec with setup wizard.
- Step 6. You may need to reboot your computer to make the codec work.
Now, your Windows 10 computer should show thumbnails of NEF images. In the meantime, you should be able to open NEF photos with Photos app. Just search for more codecs if you have another kind of RAW pictures that Windows 10 doesn’t support. Camera model info might help you find codec quickly. Please include it into searching keywords.
Open RAW Photos with RAW Image Viewer on Windows 10
If installing various of codecs hassles you, you can use RAW image viewer which usually support most RAW formats. For example, ACDSee is one of the most famous RAW image viewer software.
Premium RAW image viewers may charge you for using advanced functions, but usually less expensive than Lightroom. Another drawback is that there is no thumbnail of the device-specific RAW images in Windows Explorer, which means quick preview is not available. Instead, users need to open the RAW viewer to check all RAW images in the same folder and manage them as you like. Overall, it is still a great choice if you don’t need another professional editor program.
Pros:
- Support a wide range of RAW formats as well as common images with one tool
- Provide advanced editing functions and management options
Cons:
- No thumbnail display in Windows Explorer
- May need payment
There are many more ways to view and open RAW images, but the above three methods should work for most cases in a Windows 10 computer. In case you lose precious RAW pictures by accident, try a photo recovery software to get them back as soon as possible.