JPEG-XL is a modern image format that offers better compression, quality, and features. As a result, more and more people are adopting this new image format and slowly ditching the traditional JPEG. Even though JPEG-XL has been around for a few years now, Windows doesn’t support the format natively. So, how to add JPEG-XL support to Windows 11? Well, here is a quick guide on how to make the format supported by your Windows PC.
How to add JPEG-XL support to Windows 11
Microsoft has introduced the JPEG XL Image Extension add-on to allow Windows to support the JPEG-XL format.
This add-on allows Windows users to view and save files using the .jxl file format. It was created using the libjxl open-source project.
However, after installing the extension, you won’t be able to open a .jxl file directly. But, you will be able to see the thumbnail of the photo, set the image as your Desktop wallpaper, or open JPEG XL images in Windows Media Player Legacy.
Go to the Microsoft Store, search for JPEG XL Image Extension, and click on the Install button to install it.
Additionally, since you cannot open the photo directly, you can use a third-party app called Bitberry File Opener.
Can I open JXL files in the Windows Photos app?
No, the Windows Photos app does not natively support .jxl files. However, you can install the JPEG XL Image Extension from the Microsoft Store to enable thumbnail previews and limited functionality. To fully open .jxl files, you may need a third-party viewer like Bitberry File Opener or other compatible software.
What are the advantages of JPEG XL?
Compared to standard JPEG, JPEG XL offers better compression and higher image quality. It supports both lossless and lossy formats and is backward compatible with JPEG. Additionally, it supports progressive decoding for faster web loading, making it a strong alternative to JPEG, PNG, and WebP.
The JPEG XL Image Extension isn’t a full-fledged solution yet, as there are a few limitations. However, you can open .jxl images on your Windows computer with third-party file viewing apps. Alternatively, you can convert your JPEG XL images to a supported file format to view them on your PC.
