Why can I not see CR3 RAW file thumbnail images in file explorer, when i used to be able to see CR2 thumbnails? Is there a solution?

Canon want to force you to use their software so refuse point blank to produce a codec for CR3. Makes good sense if all you want to do is upset thousands of your customers. Their software is free, just as well as I would not pay 1p for it, in fact I will be removing their software from my computer today to regain wasted HD space and maybe buy microsoft photoediiting software. Oh wait MS have no interest whatsoever in supplying a codec either otherwise people might buy more MS software and they wouldn't like that would they.

I have tried XNViewMP and it was almost perfect except that photos taken in portrait mode were displayed rotated 90 degrees (landscape orientation), Do you know a way round this?

To me it just seems petty that neither MS or canon will not produce a codec but then they both are too big to bother about their customers.

Let's all save up and buy a Nikon as they produce the necessary codec.

Thanks anyway F. Farah

I found this in the Microsoft Store...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/p/raw-image-extension/9nctdw2w1bh8#activetab=pivot:overviewtab

THIS VERSION OF RAW IMAGE EXTENSION INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR CR3 FILES IN ADDITION TO OTHER BUG FIXES! Thanks for your interest in the Raw Image Extension. You can acquire the extension to install on your devices, but Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version number 1903) is required to install the extension. The Raw Image Extension adds native viewing support for images captured in raw file formats produced by many mid- to high-end digital cameras. By installing the package, you will be able to view thumbnails and metadata of supported raw file formats right in Windows File Explorer or view images in the Photos app. The current version of the extension supports a long list of cameras, however some Raw formats such as GPR are not currently supported.

Hello Uberdunk, my name is Farah and I'm an Independent Adviser. I can help you regarding this problem

Unfortunately there's no way to view CR3 as a thumbnails, as Canon has officially stated that they won't release a codec, and pointed out that their software should be used to open/edit CR3 raw files.

From Microsoft end, they have released a RAW extension codec in MS store, but it does not support CR3 . GPR ..etc.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/raw-image-ext...

There are currently Image explorer softwares, free as well, that browse images and view them "but not in Win explorer"

example:https://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm

Please note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

Cheers!

Farah

I just downloaded the RAW extension codec from the Microsoft store and it does support CR3 and you can open CR3 raw files with the MS Photos app and view thumbnails in File Explorer.

Hi,

I have just added a Canon EOS R to my quiver of cameras...and whilst I am loving it for many reasons I am finding the fact I cannot see the RAW thumbnails in file explorer a pain in the behind.

When I download my images to my pc , I then need to cull the photos I do not like or need before then moving them to Lightroom to edit. I can see them fine in lightroom….but not in file explorer!

Do I need a codec from Microsoft or Canon? I do not wish to pay for a 3rd party program to open them up, as I am unsure if that allows me to see them in File Explorer...as that is all I need. CR3's have been around for a while so why is there not a simple solution?...or is there one?

Any help would be appreciated.

It's just as easy to convert the files straight from the memory card to dng format, then the thumbnails work. Heres a link to Adobe dng converter.

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/using/adobe-dng-converter.html

Adrian