Convert AVIF to PNG on Windows and Linux — Free, No Software Install
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You can convert AVIF to PNG on Windows or Linux without installing any software. The browser method works in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on any version of Windows, and in any modern browser on any Linux distribution.
Windows 10 and 11 do not natively support AVIF in all apps. File Explorer can preview AVIF thumbnails with the right codec installed, but many programs (older Photoshop, Office, LibreOffice) still cannot open the format. Converting to PNG gives you a file that works everywhere.
Converting AVIF to PNG on Windows 10 and 11
The browser method is the simplest option on Windows — no codec installation, no command-line tools:
- Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on Windows
- Go to wildandfreetools.com/converter-tools/avif-to-png/
- Drag your AVIF file from File Explorer directly onto the drop zone
- Click Convert
- The PNG downloads to your Downloads folder
All three major browsers on Windows have supported AVIF decoding since 2021. Chrome 85+, Edge 121+, and Firefox 93+ all handle AVIF natively. The tool uses your browser's built-in AVIF decoder, so no external libraries are needed.
Windows-specific note: Edge is already installed on Windows 10 and 11. If you do not have Chrome or Firefox, just open Edge and go to the tool URL — it will work immediately.
Converting AVIF to PNG on Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Arch)
On Linux, the browser method works the same way in any modern Chromium-based browser or Firefox:
- Open Chrome, Chromium, or Firefox on your Linux machine
- Navigate to wildandfreetools.com/converter-tools/avif-to-png/
- Drop your AVIF file onto the drop zone or click to browse
- Convert and download the PNG
Most desktop Linux distributions (Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 11+, Fedora 34+, Arch) ship with Firefox or have Chromium/Chrome readily available via the package manager. If AVIF decoding fails in your browser, upgrade to a newer version: Firefox 93+ or Chrome 85+ provides full AVIF support.
Command-line alternative on Linux: If you prefer the command line, ImageMagick can convert AVIF to PNG with the command magick convert input.avif output.png (requires ImageMagick 7.0.25+). But for most users, the browser tool is faster because no installation is needed and it handles multiple files easily.
Browser vs command line — when to use each on Linux/Windows
| Method | Best for | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| Browser (this tool) | 1-50 files, no setup, GUI | Any modern browser |
| ImageMagick CLI | 100+ files, automation scripts | ImageMagick 7+ installed |
| Python + Pillow | Developer workflows, batch scripting | Python + Pillow library installed |
| FFmpeg | Video frame extraction in AVIF sequence | FFmpeg with AVIF support compiled |
For occasional conversions — even of 20-30 files — the browser tool is faster to use because you skip all setup time. For automated pipelines processing thousands of files, a CLI tool or script makes more sense.
The browser tool processes files locally using your machine's resources. For large files, you will notice it using CPU on your device — this is expected and means your files genuinely never leave your machine.
Why Windows Photo Viewer cannot open AVIF files
Windows Photo Viewer (the older legacy app) does not support AVIF. Photos (the modern Windows app) supports AVIF on Windows 11 with the AV1 Video Extension installed from the Microsoft Store, but it is not always present by default.
Common symptoms:
- AVIF files show as blank icons in File Explorer
- "Windows cannot open this file" error
- The file opens in a browser but not in any desktop app
Converting to PNG bypasses all of these issues permanently. PNG is supported by every Windows application that handles images — from Paint to Photoshop to PowerPoint. For related reading, see why your AVIF file will not open and how to fix it.
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Open Free AVIF to PNG ConverterFrequently Asked Questions
Does AVIF to PNG conversion work in Microsoft Edge on Windows?
Yes. Edge 121+ supports AVIF. Edge is pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11, so you can use the tool immediately without installing Chrome or Firefox.
Why cannot I open AVIF files in Windows Photo Viewer?
The legacy Windows Photo Viewer does not support AVIF. The modern Photos app on Windows 11 does with the AV1 extension installed. Converting to PNG is the simpler universal fix.
Can I convert AVIF to PNG on Ubuntu Linux?
Yes. Open Firefox or Chrome on Ubuntu and go to wildandfreetools.com/converter-tools/avif-to-png/. Firefox on Ubuntu 22.04+ supports AVIF natively.
Is there a way to batch-convert AVIF to PNG on Windows without software?
Yes. The browser tool accepts multiple AVIF files at once. Drop all your files onto the drop zone and they convert in sequence.
Does this work on Windows 10?
Yes. Chrome, Firefox, and the new Edge on Windows 10 all support AVIF. The tool works in all three.
James worked as an in-house graphic designer for six years before moving to content writing. He covers image editing and design tools with a focus on what actually works for non-designers.
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