How to Open or Edit WebP Images in Windows 11

If you’ve downloaded an image from the web lately, there’s a good chance it came in WebP format — Google’s modern, high-efficiency image standard. WebP files are smaller than JPEGs and PNGs, but they can sometimes cause confusion because not all apps recognize them by default.

If you’ve ever double-clicked a .webp file on Windows 11 and nothing opened (or it opened in your browser instead of your editor), don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll show you several reliable ways to open and edit WebP images in Windows 11, whether you prefer built-in tools or third-party software.

Open or Edit WebP Images in Windows 11

You’ll need a Windows 11 PC. No extra software is strictly required to open WebP files — Windows can do that out of the box — but for editing, you may want to install an image editor or a conversion tool.

Tip: WebP is supported by most modern browsers and design apps, but older tools like Microsoft Paint (pre-2023 versions) and some third-party software may need updates or plugins.

Step 1: Open WebP Images with the Photos App

Windows 11’s built-in Photos app natively supports the WebP format.

1. Right-click the WebP image.
2. Select Open with → Photos.
3. The file should open immediately for viewing.

If the Photos app isn’t listed, click Choose another app → Photos → Always use this app to make it the default viewer for .webp files.

Step 2: Use Microsoft Paint (Updated Version)

The new versions of Microsoft Paint on Windows 11 (updated through the Microsoft Store) can open and edit WebP images just like PNG or JPEG files.

1. Right-click the WebP file → Open with → Paint.
2. You can crop, draw, resize, or add text normally.
3. Click File → Save as to export in another format such as PNG, JPEG, or BMP.

If you can’t open it, update Paint from the Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates.

Step 3: Use Paint 3D for Quick Editing

Another built-in option is Paint 3D, which supports most modern image formats.

1. Right-click your .webp file.
2. Choose Open with → Paint 3D.
3. Use tools to edit or annotate your image.
4. To save in a different format, click Menu → Save as → Image, and choose PNG, JPG, or another format from the dropdown.

Paint 3D is useful if you want simple 3D effects or stickers while working with WebP files.

Step 4: Open WebP Files in a Web Browser

Since WebP was developed by Google, all major browsers support it.

You can open the file in:

• Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox

Simply drag the .webp image into an open browser window, or right-click it → Open with → Edge (or Chrome).

This method is perfect for quickly previewing WebP images without installing additional software.

Step 5: Edit WebP Images in Photoshop (With Plugin or Native Support)

If you use Adobe Photoshop, support for WebP was added natively in Photoshop 23.2 (February 2022) and later.

• For newer versions: You can open .webp files directly via File → Open.
• For older versions:
  1. Download the WebP plugin for Photoshop from Google’s developer site.
  2. Extract and place it in the Plug-ins folder inside your Photoshop installation directory.
  3. Restart Photoshop.

Now you can edit and save WebP images as easily as any other format.

Step 6: Use GIMP or Paint.NET for Free Editing

If you prefer free image editors:

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

• Download and install GIMP from gimp.org.
• Open GIMP → File → Open → select your WebP file.
• GIMP supports WebP natively, allowing full editing and export.

Paint.NET

• Install Paint.NET from getpaint.net.
• If your version doesn’t support WebP, install the WebP FileType plugin from the Paint.NET forums.
• Restart the app and open your file normally.

These editors are powerful and lightweight alternatives to Photoshop.

Step 7: Convert WebP Files to JPG or PNG (If Needed)

If your preferred tool doesn’t support WebP, convert the file to a more common format.

Option 1: Use Photos App

1. Open the WebP file in Photos.
2. Click Edit image → Save a copy → File type → JPEG or PNG.

Option 2: Use Online Converters

Websites like CloudConvert, Convertio, or EZGIF let you drag and drop WebP images and download them as PNG or JPG files.

Option 3: Use Command-Line Tools

If you’re comfortable with the command line, install Google’s libwebp utilities and run:

dwebp image.webp -o output.png

This decodes the WebP file into a PNG using the original quality settings.

Step 8: Set a Default App for WebP Files

If you frequently work with WebP images, set your preferred viewer or editor as the default:

1. Right-click a .webp file → Properties.
2. Under Opens with, click Change.
3. Select Photos, Paint, or another preferred app.
4. Click Apply → OK.

From now on, WebP files will open automatically with that program.

Step 9: Use Microsoft Photos Legacy (Optional)

If you’re using the newer Photos app and prefer the older interface, install Photos Legacy from the Microsoft Store. It fully supports WebP images and includes classic editing tools like cropping, resizing, and filters.

Step 10: Troubleshoot WebP Files That Won’t Open

If a WebP file refuses to open:

1. Make sure the file isn’t corrupted (try opening it in a browser).
2. Check for Windows updates: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
3. Update your image viewer (Photos or Paint).
4. If all else fails, convert it using an online or local tool as shown above.

Wrapping Up

WebP is designed for modern web performance — offering high quality at smaller file sizes — and Windows 11 fully supports it. You can open WebP images directly in Photos, Paint, or any major browser, and edit them using Paint 3D, GIMP, or Photoshop.

If compatibility issues arise, quick conversions to PNG or JPG will make them accessible everywhere. With these options, you can view, edit, or convert WebP images easily on any Windows 11 setup.