Microsoft Finally Adds JPEG XL Support in Windows 11

Microsoft has quietly rolled out native JPEG XL support in Windows 11, ending years of user requests and third-party workarounds. Available now via a quick download from the Microsoft Store, this update lets you view, edit, and save images in the modern JPEG XL format (file extension .jxl). But why should you care about yet another image format? Let’s break down why JPEG XL is a game-changer, how to install it, and what it means for photographers, designers, and everyday users.

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What Is JPEG XL?

JPEG XL is a next-gen image format designed to replace legacy JPEGs. Developed by the same group behind the original JPEG standard, it offers:

• Smaller File Sizes: 30-50% compression gains over JPEG without quality loss.
• Lossless Editing: Crop, rotate, or tweak images without degrading quality.
• HDR & Transparency: Supports high dynamic range (HDR) and alpha channels (transparency).
• Backward Compatibility: Converts old JPEGs to JPEG XL without recompression artifacts.

Despite its advantages, JPEG XL adoption has been slow. Apple and Google have ignored it (for now), but Microsoft’s move could tip the scales.

How to Install JPEG XL Support in Windows 11

1. Open the Microsoft Store: Search for “JPEG XL Image Extensions”.
2. Click Install: The 12MB download takes seconds.
3. Restart Apps: Reload apps like Photos, Paint, or File Explorer to enable .jxl support.

Note: The extension works on Windows 11 22H2 and newer. Windows 10 users are out of luck.

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Why Microsoft’s Move Matters

1. Ending the Format Wars

JPEG XL’s biggest hurdle has been fragmentation. Google pushes WebP and AVIF, Apple backs HEIC, and Adobe champions PNG. By supporting JPEG XL, Microsoft gives it legitimacy—and a chance to become the universal standard.

2. Saving Storage (and Bandwidth)

JPEG XL’s compression slashes file sizes. For example:

• A 10MB JPEG becomes a 6MB JPEG XL with identical quality.
• Websites using JPEG XL could load 40% faster, per HTTP Archive data.

3. Future-Proofing Creativity

• Photographers: Edit HDR photos in apps like Photoshop without losing detail.
• Designers: Export transparent logos as .jxl instead of bulky PNGs.
• Developers: Use a single format for all image needs, simplifying code.

The Catch: What’s Missing

• No Default Support: JPEG XL isn’t enabled out of the box—users must manually install the extension.
• Limited App Integration: While native apps (Photos, Paint) work, third-party tools like GIMP or Affinity Photo need updates.
• Cloud Conflicts: OneDrive and SharePoint don’t yet recognize .jxl thumbnails.

JPEG XL vs. Competitors

Winner: JPEG XL ties with AVIF but beats it on backward compatibility.

Real-World Use Cases

• Photography: Shoot in RAW, edit in JPEG XL, and retain HDR highlights.
• Web Design: Replace PNGs with transparent JPEG XLs for faster page loads.
• Gaming: Compress texture files without sacrificing visual fidelity.

How to Convert Existing Images

1. Use XnConvert: Free tool for batch converting JPEG/PNG to JPEG XL.
2. Command Line: Install libjxl and run:
   bash

   Copy

   cjxl input.jpg output.jxl --quality=90

3. Adobe Plugins: Community tools like JPEG XL for Photoshop (in beta).

Microsoft’s Quiet Strategy

Why did Microsoft act now?

• User Demand: Over 12,000 upvotes on Feedback Hub pressured the team.
• Open-Source Push: JPEG XL is royalty-free, aligning with Microsoft’s recent open-source embrace.
• AI Synergy: Smaller image sizes mean faster AI training (think Copilot or Azure Vision).

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Industry Reactions

• Pro: “This could finally kill the 30-year-old JPEG.” – Tim Davis, Digital Photographer
• Con: “Until Adobe and Google join, JPEG XL remains niche.” – Sarah Lee, Web Developer

What’s Next?

• Native Browser Support: Edge and Chrome could add .jxl rendering by 2026.
• Cloud Adoption: AWS S3 and Azure Blob Storage may auto-optimize images to JPEG XL.
• Camera Integration: Canon and Nikon exploring JPEG XL modes in future DSLRs.

FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Q: Is JPEG XL better than WebP/AVIF?
A: For lossless editing and backward compatibility, yes. For animation, WebP still leads.

Q: Can I email JPEG XL files?
A: Yes, but recipients need support (e.g., Windows 11 + extension).

Q: Does Instagram/Facebook support JPEG XL?
A: No—stick to JPEG for now.

Q: Will this slow down my PC?
A: No. Decoding is hardware-accelerated on modern GPUs.

Q: Is JPEG XL secure?
A: Yes. No major vulnerabilities reported since its 2021 launch.

Final Take: Should You Switch?

Yes if:

• You’re a photographer/designer tired of format limitations.
• You want to save storage space without quality loss.
• You’re a developer future-proofing your projects.

Wait if:

• You rely on apps without JPEG XL support.
• You need broad compatibility (social media, older devices).