CR2 is the raw photo format used by many Canon cameras (newer models use CR3). Raw files hold far more detail than JPEGs, but Windows 10 can’t always open them out of the box. You may see generic icons instead of thumbnails, or an error when you double-click. The fix is usually a free extension from Microsoft. This guide covers viewing CR2 files in the Photos app, showing thumbnails in File Explorer, free and paid editors, converting CR2 to JPG, and fixes for files that still won’t open.
Quick Answer
Install the free Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store. Then double-click a CR2 file, or right-click it and choose Open with > Photos. File Explorer also starts showing thumbnails. To convert, open the photo in Photos, choose Save as (or Edit > Save a copy), and pick JPG.
Method 1: Photos App + Raw Image Extension (Free)
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for Raw Image Extension (published by Microsoft).
- Click Get or Install.
- Restart File Explorer, or sign out and back in.
- Double-click a CR2 file. It opens in Photos, and thumbnails now appear in File Explorer.
The extension also supports CR3 and raw formats from many other camera brands. Very new camera models may need an extension update before their files open.
Method 2: Canon’s Free Software
If you own a Canon camera, Digital Photo Professional (DPP) is free from Canon’s support site (you’ll need your camera’s serial number). It opens CR2 and CR3 files with Canon’s own color processing and lets you adjust exposure, white balance, and picture styles before exporting JPG or TIFF.
Method 3: Free Third-Party Viewers
- IrfanView (with its plugins pack) and XnView MP are fast viewers that open CR2 files and batch-convert them.
- darktable and RawTherapee are free, full raw editors.
Download them only from their official websites.
Method 4: Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop
Lightroom Classic, Lightroom, and Photoshop (through Adobe Camera Raw) open CR2 files natively and offer professional editing tools. If an older Adobe version doesn’t recognize a newer camera, the free Adobe DNG Converter can convert the files to DNG so the old version can open them.
Compare Your Options
| Tool | Cost | View | Edit raw | Batch convert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photos + Raw Image Extension | Free | Yes | Basic | No |
| Canon Digital Photo Professional | Free (Canon owners) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IrfanView / XnView MP | Free | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| darktable / RawTherapee | Free | Yes | Advanced | Yes |
| Adobe Lightroom / Photoshop | Subscription | Yes | Advanced | Yes |
Convert CR2 to JPG
- Open the CR2 file in Photos.
- Click ⋯ (See more) > Save as, or Edit > Save a copy, depending on your Photos version.
- Choose JPG as the file type and click Save.
For many files at once, use IrfanView’s File > Batch Conversion/Rename, XnView MP’s Tools > Batch convert, or Lightroom’s export. Keep the original CR2 files. JPG discards the extra raw data.
Troubleshooting
Thumbnails still don’t show
Make sure File Explorer isn’t set to always show icons. Go to View > Options > View and uncheck Always show icons, never thumbnails. Then restart the PC.
“This file type isn’t supported” in Photos
Update the Raw Image Extension and the Photos app in the Microsoft Store, and install Windows updates.
The photo looks different from the camera’s preview
Raw files have no picture style baked in. Each program applies its own processing. Canon DPP most closely matches the camera’s JPEG look.
The file won’t open anywhere
The file may be corrupted from a card error or interrupted transfer. Copy it from the memory card again with a card reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Raw Image Extension free?
Yes. Microsoft’s Raw Image Extension is free in the Microsoft Store.
Can I view CR2 files on Windows 11?
Yes. The same extension and apps work on Windows 11.
What’s the difference between CR2 and CR3?
CR3 is Canon’s newer raw format with smaller files. It’s supported by the same extension and most current editors.
Summary
- Install Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store.
- Open CR2 files in Photos and see thumbnails in File Explorer.
- Use Canon DPP, darktable, or Lightroom for real raw editing.
- Convert to JPG with Photos or a batch converter, and keep the originals.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.