How to view latest version of Sony ARW files? Suggested techniques not working.

Hi BL. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

You didn't need to sign up for unstable Insider builds, the latest version is always available in Media Creation Tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

Install and open it to run Update this PC Now to get the latest version.

If any problems report back the verbatim error and number, then continue with these steps for overcoming Version Upgrade problems: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Also did you actually mean Windows Photo Viewer because it's been discontinued for years, replaced by Photos app. I'd open and try it, if it works change to default Photos app in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.

Alternate photo viewers to try until you find what you need:

https://www.techjunkie.com/windows-10-photos-al...

https://www.guidingtech.com/best-alternatives-w...

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

If this is your everyday PC and not a test device, I would opt out of the Insider program or it may upgrade you to an unstable preview build:

https://insider.windows.com/en-us/leave-program

Besides the 21H2 update Expedite Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Check for Updates, install all, including any Optional Updates, watch for prompt to restart, then go back and check again until no more are offered.

Then troubleshoot installing Sony RAW file extension to WIndows 10:

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articl...

https://frameboxxindore.com/windows/you-asked-h...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/what-is-an-arw-file

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://shotkit.com/how-to-open-arw-files/

https://www.howtogeek.com/427588/how-to-open-ra...

https://expertphotography.com/arw-file/

https://www.solvusoft.com/en/file-extensions/fi...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eppMOVhq6NE

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks Greg! I appreciate the reply. My livelihood depends on being able to access & process images quickly, so getting this resolved is fairly important to me at the moment.

"You didn't need to sign up for unstable Insider builds, the latest version is always available in Media Creation Tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

Install and open it to run Update this PC Now to get the latest version."

> I did this, downloaded the November 2021 Update and attempted to install Raw Image Extension again. Received this following error:

"App installation failed with error message: Windows cannot install package Microsoft.RawImageExtension_2.1.30391.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe because this package is not compatible with the device. The package requires OS version 10.0.22401.0 or higher on the Windows.Universal device family. The device is currently running OS version 10.0.19044.1620. (0x80073cfd)"

NEARLY identical to the original one I was getting, except my OS version changed (increased?) slightly, FROM "OS version 10.0.19043.1620" TO "OS version 10.0.19044.1620" post-update. Just the 19043 to 19044. Nothing else seems to have changed, and I still need to somehow get my OS version up to 10.0.22401.0 or better. I'm probably remarkably dense for not understandin how to do this, but once again my PC is 100% updated, all optional updates as well, and I'm at a loss.

Again, TIA, and if this is something simple I'm missing, well... wouldn't be the first time.