No, the original Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer is obsolete and completely useless today.
Released over 20 years ago as a “PowerToy” plugin specifically for Windows XP, it only supported 32-bit architecture and a handful of long-abandoned RAW camera formats from the early 2000s. It will not install or run on modern operating systems, nor can it process images from modern cameras.
However, the core functionality you are looking for—viewing RAW files natively inside Windows—is highly relevant and achieved through much better modern solutions. 🛠️ What Replaced It?
If you want to view camera RAW file thumbnails and previews natively inside Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft replaced the old utility with a modern app extension.
The Modern Solution: Download the official Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store.
How it Works: Built using the open-source libraw library, it instantly teaches Windows File Explorer and the native Windows Photos app how to decode and generate thumbnails for hundreds of mid-to-high-end digital cameras (including newer formats like Canon’s .CR3, Sony’s .ARW, and Nikon’s .NEF). ⚖️ The Best Modern Alternatives
If you are a photographer who needs to preview, filter, and organize batches of heavy RAW files, relying strictly on Windows File Explorer can be slow or inconsistent. Professionals use dedicated tools instead:
Viewing XSI raw files in the Microsoft RAW Image … – DPReview
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