Windows 11 users can now unlock the power of the JPEG XL image format, thanks to its inclusion in the 24H2 update. JPEG XL promises superior compression and higher-quality images compared to the traditional JPEG format, making it an attractive choice for photographers and image enthusiasts. But what exactly is JPEG XL, and how does it compare to other popular image formats like HEIC, AVIF, and WebP? This article explores the advantages of JPEG XL, how you can enable it on your PC, and why Microsoftâs decision to support this format is important.
What is JPEG XL?
JPEG XL is a cutting-edge, royalty-free image format designed for high-quality images and excellent compression rates. Unlike some other modern formats like HEIC, AVIF, and WebP, which are largely rooted in video codecs, JPEG XL is specifically crafted with photographers in mind. Its goal is to offer better control and more flexibility when handling images, allowing users to achieve high-quality results with smaller file sizes.
Apple’s iPhone 16 series was one of the first to adopt native support for JPEG XL, and Microsoft has followed suit with Windows 11 24H2. This move mirrors Microsoftâs past behavior, where they adopted file formats popularized by Apple, such as HEIF and HEVC, after Apple made them the standard in iOS. This shows Microsoft’s consistent approach of facilitating compatibility between iOS and Windows ecosystems, giving users more flexibility.
However, unlike Apple, which integrated JPEG XL support directly into macOS updates, Microsoft opted to provide it as an extension via the Microsoft Store. This extension currently works exclusively on Windows 11 version 24H2, which means older versions of Windows 11 or Windows 10 are out of luck for now.
How to Enable JPEG XL in Windows 11?
To enable JPEG XL support on your Windows 11 PC, simply follow these steps:
1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for “JPEG XL” or “JXL.”
2. Select the âJPEG XL Image Extensionâ from the search results. It’s easy to spot because it doesn’t feature an image.
3. Install the extension, and
Keep in mind that the extension only works on Windows 11 version 24H2 and may not be compatible with older versions. As of now, thereâs no indication that Microsoft will bring JPEG XL support to older versions of Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Benefits of JPEG XL
JPEG XL offers numerous advantages over traditional image formats like JPG. Here are the key benefits:
- Improved Compression: JPEG XL can save up to 75% of storage space while maintaining image quality. This is a significant improvement compared to JPEG, which can result in larger files with less efficient compression.
- Higher Image Quality: JPEG XL supports a wider color gamut and delivers excellent image quality, making it ideal for photographers and graphic designers.
- Faster Encoding/Decoding: JPEG XL is designed to be faster to encode and decode, making it more efficient for both web and offline use.
- Compatibility: Unlike newer formats like HEIF and AVIF, JPEG XL doesnât suffer from compatibility issues with existing software, which makes it easier to adopt without concerns about support.
Tests performed on Windows 11 show that JPEG XL images, compared to their JPEG counterparts, offer almost identical image quality but at a file size thatâs nearly 50% smaller. While the format is supported in File Explorer for thumbnails and file previews, thereâs still a limitation: the Photos app currently doesnât support opening JPEG XL files.
What Undercode Says:
The decision to include JPEG XL in Windows 11 24H2 is a smart one for Microsoft, as it represents a forward-thinking move in the evolution of image formats. Unlike the old JPEG format, JPEG XL offers major improvements in compression and file size, both of which are crucial in todayâs data-heavy world. It gives users the ability to store more images with less impact on storage, which is especially useful for photographers, designers, and web developers who deal with large image libraries.
Moreover, JPEG XLâs improved color gamut and lossless compression make it a strong competitor to formats like HEIC and AVIF. While HEIC and AVIF have gained traction in the mobile world, theyâre still not universally supported, which can lead to compatibility issues. JPEG XL, by contrast, offers a more seamless experience because it was designed as a dedicated image format, not one adapted from video codecs.
The fact that both Apple and Microsoft have now adopted JPEG XL signals a broader industry trend toward higher-quality, more efficient image formats. Appleâs native inclusion of JPEG XL in iPhone 16 models was likely aimed at attracting professional photographers who need high-quality formats for their images. By bringing JPEG XL to Windows 11, Microsoft is enhancing its ecosystemâs ability to cater to photographers and creative professionals who rely on precise, high-quality image formats.
However, there are still hurdles to overcome. The Photos appâs lack of support for JPEG XL, despite the formatâs inclusion in Windows 11, highlights that this is still an emerging feature. Itâs also worth noting that the JPEG XL extension is only available to users of Windows 11 version 24H2, leaving older versions in the dark for now. Microsoft may need to ensure more widespread compatibility if they want to see broader adoption of JPEG XL across their user base.
Despite these challenges, JPEG XLâs potential as a leading image format is undeniable. As it gains more support across devices and software, it could become the go-to format for high-quality image storage and sharing.
Fact Checker Results:
- JPEG XL offers up to 75% better storage efficiency than JPG.
- JPEG XL supports a wider color gamut and faster encoding/decoding times.
- Windows 11 version 24H2 users can enable JPEG XL support, but it currently doesn’t work with older versions or the Photos app.
References:
Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/03/05/turn-on-jpeg-xl-jxl-in-windows-11-24h2-a-secret-new-feature/
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