Why Can't I Open WebP Files? (And How to Fix It)

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

You downloaded an image from a website. You double-click to open it. Nothing happens — or worse, an error message. The file ends in .webp and your computer has no idea what to do with it. This is one of the most common image-related problems on the internet today. Here's why it happens and exactly how to fix it.

Why Your Computer Can't Open WebP

WebP was designed for web browsers, not desktop applications. While Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all handle WebP natively, most desktop software does not. The specific reason depends on what you're trying to open it with:

• Windows Photos app (pre-Windows 11): No WebP codec installed. Windows 10 requires a separate WebP codec from the Microsoft Store.
• Adobe Photoshop (pre-2022): No native WebP support. Versions before 23.2 require a plugin.
• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint): Does not support WebP at all. You must convert to PNG or JPG first.
• macOS Preview (pre-Ventura): Limited WebP support. Older versions cannot open WebP.
• Your default photo viewer: Many third-party viewers never added WebP support.

Solution 1: Open It in Your Browser (Free, 5 Seconds)

The fastest fix: drag and drop the .webp file into any browser window (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). Browsers handle WebP natively. From there you can right-click and save as... but wait — if you just save it again, you'll get another WebP. Instead, use our free WebP to PNG converter to convert it to a format that opens everywhere.

Solution 2: Convert WebP to PNG or JPG (Free, 30 Seconds)

This is the most reliable permanent solution:

1. Go to webp2png.io
2. Drag and drop your WebP file onto the upload area
3. Click Convert — processing happens instantly in your browser
4. Download the PNG file
5. The PNG opens in any application, guaranteed

Solution 3: Install a WebP Codec on Windows

If you frequently work with WebP files on Windows 10, install the official WebP codec from the Microsoft Store. Search for "WebP Image Extension" and install it. After installation, Windows Photos and File Explorer will display WebP thumbnails and open WebP files. Note: this only fixes viewing — other applications like Office will still not recognize WebP.

Solution 4: Use a Different Program

Some applications handle WebP natively in 2026:

• Image viewers: IrfanView (Windows, free), XnView (cross-platform, free)
• Photo editors: GIMP 2.10+ (free, cross-platform), Photoshop 2022+ (paid), Photopea (free, browser-based)
• Web browsers: All modern browsers open WebP directly

Solution 5: On iPhone and Android

iOS 14+ and modern Android both support WebP in the Photos app. If your phone is older or the image won't open, use our mobile-friendly converter — it works in your phone's browser with no app install needed. You can even install it as a PWA for offline use.

The Real Fix: Just Convert It

Written by Alex Chen — Frontend Engineer. building web apps for 10+ years. Built WebP2PNG when tired of converters that upload your files. More about me →