By Evan 
We all download images from the Internet for different purposes. Image files are available in different formats, such as JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP, and more. All formats can be opened easily, except WebP format, which can’t be opened directly like other image files. Here, we have explained what WebP images are and also provided solutions to open this type of image file.
What are WebP Images?
WebP images are an image format developed by Google. They offer a small file size with good-quality photos, which means a WebP image takes less disk space than the other JPG and PNG formats. Most Google Websites use WebP extension images, and this format is supported only in Google Chrome, Opera, and a few other software.
So, if you have downloaded any one of the images but it is in WebP format, you will not be able to open it on your device. At this time, you need to use the methods given below.
Also Read- Best Photo Viewer for Windows 10
Best Ways to Open WebP Images on Window 10
WebP image format has been available for a long time now, but it is not supported by default in Windows 10. As there is no native support to view the images, you must use the following methods.
Method 1: Download WebP Codec for Windows
To open WebP images on Windows, you can download WebP Codec on your PC and open the images.
- Download and Install WebP Codec Setup
- Once it is installed, you can easily open the WebP images in your Windows via Windows Photo Viewer.
Method 2: Use Image Glass or 123 Photo Viewer
ImageGlass is a free photo viewer for Windows 10. It supports almost all image formats, including WebP. You can download ImageGlass for Windows 10 and open WebP images.
123 Photo Viewer also supports many image formats, including WebP. Download the photo viewer and start using it to open any image. You can get it from the Windows 10 Store by clicking the link.
Method 3: Rename WebP to JPG or PNG
You can open WebP images using the Photos app in Windows 10, but you can’t open them directly. To open an image, you need to convert it to JPG or PNG. So, let’s check out how to rename a WebP picture to JPG or PNG.
- Go to the folder containing a WebP image. Then, click on the View tab in the top Menu bar.
- Now, you will see three checkboxes with other items, from which select File name extensions to view all files extensions.
- Go to the image file WebP, right-click, and select the Rename option from the list. Alternatively, you can select the file and press the F2 key on the keyboard.
- Change the WebP file at the end of the file name to JPG, JPEG, or PNG, and press Enter.
- The file is converted to JPEG or PNG, right-click on the file click on Open With, and select Photos app to open the file,
Apart from the Photos app, you can use any image viewer to open the converted pictures.
Method 4: Use Photoscape X
You can download Photoscape X on your Windows PC and open WebP images easily. First, download and install the app. Open the app, click on the Open option, select the WebP image, and then save it as a JPG or PNG.
Method 5: Use Chrome, Edge, or Paint in Windows 10
You can also open WebP images in Windows 10 using Chrome, Edge, or an in-built Paint program.
If you don’t mind installing a free program, you can use Photoscape X or the ImageGlass program.