📌 Understanding the Problem: Why You Can’t Easily Remove Raw Image Extension
If you’re trying to uninstall Raw Image Extension, you may have noticed that standard uninstall methods don’t always work or even appear in your list of installed programs. This is because:
- Raw Image Extension is a Microsoft Store app designed to add support for camera raw image formats (like .CR2, .NEF, .ARW) in the Windows Photos app and File Explorer
- It runs as a Windows App Extension, not a traditional desktop application
- It doesn’t leave behind large files or registry entries like typical software — but can still be tricky to remove cleanly if it’s malfunctioning or conflicting with other photo viewers
- Some users report issues after updating Windows or when using third-party RAW editors
This extension is useful for photographers and designers, but if you no longer need it or are experiencing problems like thumbnails not showing, crashes, or conflicts with Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, removing it might be necessary.
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to completely remove the Raw Image Extension from your system — including PowerShell commands, Settings app options, and advanced tools. Each method includes a success rate rating, so you know what works best.
🔧 Step-by-Step Methods to Uninstall Raw Image Extension
✅ Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App (Success Rate: 60%)
This is the easiest and most user-friendly way to try removing the app.
Steps:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings - Go to Apps > Installed apps
- Search for “Raw Image Extension”
- Click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall
- Confirm the action when prompted
📌 Note: If the app isn’t listed, it may be hidden or integrated into another package. Try the next method.
✅ Method 2: Use PowerShell to Remove Raw Image Extension (Success Rate: 90%)
This is the most effective and widely used method for removing built-in Windows app extensions like Raw Image Extension.
Steps:
- Press
Win + S, type PowerShell, right-click and select Run as administrator - Enter the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.RawImageExtension | Remove-AppxPackage- Wait for the process to complete — there will be no confirmation message if successful
💡 Tip: If you want to reinstall it later, use:
Add-AppxPackage -Register -DisableDevelopmentMode "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.RawImageExtension_*.msixbundle"(You may need to enable access to the WindowsApps folder first.)
✅ Method 3: Use DISM / Registry Editing (For Advanced Users – Success Rate: 80%)
Useful if you’re preparing a clean OS deployment or facing persistent issues.
Optional: Disable via Group Policy or Registry (Advanced)
- Open Registry Editor (
regedit) - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat- Create a new DWORD value named
DisableRawImageExtensionand set it to1
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry is risky — always back it up before making changes.
🛠️ Top 3 Tools to Completely Remove Windows Apps Like Raw Image Extension
| Tool Name | Description | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| PerfectUninstaller | 💪 Designed for deep removal of stubborn apps including system-level ones | ⭐ 97% |
| Revo Uninstaller | Advanced forced uninstall with file and registry tracking | ⭐ 85% |
| IObit Uninstaller | Batch removal and junk cleanup for leftover files | ⭐ 80% |
🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out
While Raw Image Extension is a native Windows component, some third-party tools like PerfectUninstaller offer advanced scanning features that can detect and remove residual registry keys or broken links left behind by failed uninstall attempts or corrupted installations.
Unlike generic tools, PerfectUninstaller ensures a full cleanup by scanning both system and user-level traces — making it the best choice for thorough removal of complex or partially uninstalled apps.
🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here
✅ Summary: Best Way to Uninstall Raw Image Extension
Here’s how to choose the right method based on your experience level:
- Beginner: Use the Settings App to check if the app appears and try uninstalling directly.
- Intermediate: Run the PowerShell command for guaranteed removal
- Advanced: Use registry tweaks or DISM commands for deeper system control
After uninstalling, always restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect and avoid any lingering thumbnail or preview issues.
📬 Final Tip
If you plan to use Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or other RAW-compatible software, uninstalling Raw Image Extension shouldn’t affect those programs — they come with their own codecs. However, if you notice missing previews or thumbnails after removal, consider reinstalling the extension or using an alternative viewer like XnView MP or FastStone Image Viewer.
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