Windows 11 is taking a step toward supporting the new JPEG XL (JXL) image format—a move that aligns with modern trends while promising enhanced customization options for desktop users. However, as with many first adoptions, there’s a caveat. While the platform now nominally supports JXL files via a free extension, native viewing through some of the core apps you might expect, like Photos and Paint, isn’t available just yet.
Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft continues to enhance Windows 11’s media capabilities, and let us know your experiences or any challenges you face in the comments below.
Source: Beebom
Source: Beebom Windows 11 Now Supports JPEG XL (JXL) Image Format But There is a Caveat
What’s New with JPEG XL on Windows 11?
Following in the footsteps of Apple—who already adopted JPEG XL with the iPhone 16 series—Microsoft now offers support for JXL images through an extension available from the Microsoft Store. With Windows 11 version 24H2 (currently available via the Release Preview channel), users can enjoy several new capabilities:- Desktop Backgrounds and File Explorer Thumbnails:
Once you install the JPEG XL image extension, you can set JXL images as your desktop wallpaper, and File Explorer will display thumbnails of these files. - Playback in Windows Media Player Legacy:
While major image editors in Windows 11 have yet to support opening JXL images, Windows Media Player Legacy can open them—a handy, albeit limited, viewing option. - Future App Support:
The extension listing on the Microsoft Store notes that additional applications will receive native JXL support soon. Microsoft’s plan is to extend compatibility to more system apps in future updates.
Limitations and Workarounds
The current state of support comes with noticeable limitations. After installing the extension, you may find that:- No Native Integration in Photos or Paint:
Despite the extension’s installation, trying to open a JPEG XL image in the built-in Photos app or Microsoft Paint will result in an unrecognized file format. This means that for editing or detailed view purposes, alternative solutions are necessary.
Getting Around the Caveats
For users eager to work seamlessly with JXL files on Windows 11, here are two effective workarounds:- Using IrfanView with a JPEG XL Plugin:
- Step 1: Install IrfanView from the Microsoft Store.
- Step 2: Download the JPEG XL plugin (often available from trusted sources online).
- Step 3: Unzip and copy the “Jpeg_XL.dll” file into the IrfanView Plugins folder, typically found at
C:\Program Files\IrfanView\Plugins. - Outcome: Once configured, IrfanView will let you open and view JXL images efficiently, offering a fast, reliable alternative to native Windows apps.
- Chrome Extension for JPEG XL Viewing:
- Install the free JPEG XL Viewer extension in the Chrome browser to view JXL images directly on the web. This is useful for quick previews and sharing purposes when working with online content.
What’s Next for Microsoft?
Microsoft’s inclusion of JPEG XL support represents an important evolution towards embracing modern, royalty-free image formats that promise better compression and quality. Although the current extension does not yet bring full functionality to all Windows system apps, it is a promising start. With updates in the pipeline, expect native integration in the Photos and Paint apps in the near future, which could further drive adoption of the JPEG XL format on Windows 11.Final Thoughts
While Windows 11 now supports JPEG XL images through a dedicated extension, users should be aware of its current limitations. For the moment, if you need to view or manage JXL files effectively, leveraging third-party tools like IrfanView with the appropriate plugin or using a Chrome extension will provide the best experience. Microsoft’s upcoming updates should eventually offer broader native support, simplifying the workflow for users who are eager to adopt this advanced image format.Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft continues to enhance Windows 11’s media capabilities, and let us know your experiences or any challenges you face in the comments below.
Source: Beebom
Source: Beebom Windows 11 Now Supports JPEG XL (JXL) Image Format But There is a Caveat
