Frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know before downloading.
Is HawkView free?
Yes. HawkView is completely free to download and use, with no ads and no account required.
Which image formats does it support?
Common formats like PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, TIFF, BMP and SVG, plus modern HEIC, AVIF and JPEG XL, camera RAW files and animated images - with no extra codec packs.
Do I have to install it?
No. There is a standard installer if you want shortcuts and an uninstaller, and a portable ZIP that runs from anywhere without installing.
Does it work on macOS or Linux?
HawkView is currently built for Windows 10 and 11. macOS and Linux versions are planned for the future.
How do updates work?
HawkView can check this website on startup and show a small banner when a new version is available. The check sends no personal data, and you can turn it off in Settings.
Is it safe? The installer shows a warning.
HawkView is safe. Because the app is not code-signed yet, Windows SmartScreen may show an 'unknown publisher' notice - click 'More info', then 'Run anyway'. Every download lists a SHA-256 checksum so you can verify the file.
Can I make HawkView my default image viewer?
Yes. Open Settings ▸ File Associations to choose which file types open with HawkView.
How do I uninstall it?
If you used the installer, remove it from Windows 'Apps & features' like any program. If you used the portable ZIP, just delete the folder.
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