Have you ever stumbled upon a 360° photo and wondered how to open it on your Windows 11 PC? Unlike regular images, 360-degree photos allow you to explore the entire scene—looking up, down, and all around—as if you were standing right there. They’re immersive, fun, and popular on social media, but many Windows 11 users get stuck trying to view them properly.
Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about opening and viewing 360 photos on Windows 11, including the best apps, tools, and tricks to make the most out of your immersive images.
What Are 360 Photos?
360 photos (also known as panoramic or spherical photos) are special images captured with 360-degree cameras or stitched from multiple pictures. Instead of showing one angle, they let you:
Rotate in all directions.
Zoom in and out for details.
Experience a “virtual reality” effect.
Think of it like Google Street View—you’re not just looking at a photo, you’re stepping inside it.
Why Can’t You View 360 Photos Like Normal Images?
Here’s the catch: Windows 11’s default Photos app is designed for flat images (JPEG, PNG, etc.), not spherical formats like .JPG (equirectangular), .HEIC, or .VR photo formats. When you open a 360 photo in the regular Photos app, it looks stretched and weird.
That’s why you need the right software to unlock the interactive experience.
Step 1: Check the File Format of Your 360 Photo
Before anything else, check what kind of file you have:
Right-click the photo.
Select Properties.
Look at the File type.
Common 360 formats include:
.jpg(equirectangular panorama).heic.vrphoto.png(rare, stitched images)
Knowing the format helps you pick the best viewer.
Step 2: Use Microsoft Photos (With Limitations)
Windows 11’s Photos app can open 360-degree images, but it doesn’t always provide full navigation. Sometimes, you’ll only see a flattened version.
To check:
Double-click your photo.
If it looks “stretched,” the app isn’t recognizing it as a 360 image.
If this happens, move on to better tools.
Step 3: View 360 Photos Using Microsoft Edge
Surprisingly, Microsoft Edge browser supports 360 content.
Open Edge.
Drag your 360 photo into a new tab.
If supported, you’ll be able to drag and look around.
This works better for some formats, especially .jpg panoramas.
Step 4: Install a Dedicated 360 Photo Viewer
If you want the full experience, dedicated viewers are the way to go. Popular options include:
GoPro VR Player (free, supports most formats).
Insta360 Studio (great for Insta360 camera users).
Ricoh Theta Viewer (for Ricoh 360 cameras).
Kuula (Web-based) – just upload and explore online.
These apps allow smooth scrolling, zooming, and sometimes even VR headset support.
Step 5: Open 360 Photos in VLC Media Player
Did you know VLC isn’t just for videos? It can also handle 360 content.
Download and install the latest VLC Media Player.
Open your 360 photo inside VLC.
Click and drag to rotate the view.
This is one of the simplest ways if you already use VLC.
Step 6: Use the Photos App with Extensions
If you prefer sticking to Windows 11’s default Photos app, install the HEVC and HEIF extensions from Microsoft Store.
These enable extra formats and may allow better rendering for some 360 files.
Step 7: View 360 Photos with a VR Headset
Want the ultimate immersive experience? Use a VR headset like:
Oculus Quest 2
Windows Mixed Reality
HTC Vive
Steps:
Transfer the 360 photo to your VR library.
Use apps like Oculus Gallery or SteamVR Photo Viewer.
Put on the headset and look around naturally.
It feels like stepping inside the picture!
Step 8: Upload to Facebook or YouTube
If all else fails, upload your 360 photo to Facebook or YouTube. Both platforms support interactive 360-degree viewing.
Facebook – upload it as a normal photo, and it automatically recognizes 360 metadata.
YouTube – you can upload 360 photos as part of a slideshow or video.
Step 9: Convert 360 Photos to Standard Panoramas
If you just want a simple version without the “immersive” effect:
Use free tools like GIMP or Photoshop.
Convert equirectangular 360° photos into flat panoramas.
This way, you can still enjoy the wide angle without special viewers.
Tips for the Best 360 Viewing Experience
Use a high-resolution display for sharper images.
Keep your graphics drivers updated to avoid glitches.
For smooth scrolling, use a mouse with a scroll wheel.
Try fullscreen mode for maximum immersion.
Troubleshooting 360 Photo Issues
Photo looks distorted? → Use a proper 360 viewer instead of Photos app.
Can’t rotate? → Try VLC or a dedicated 360 player.
Wrong orientation? → Use editing software to re-stitch the image.
Blurry photo? → Check if your camera captured in full resolution.
Conclusion
Viewing 360 photos on Windows 11 isn’t complicated—you just need the right tools. While the default Photos app has limited support, apps like VLC, GoPro VR Player, or Microsoft Edge make the experience much smoother. And if you have a VR headset, you can take immersion to the next level.
So whether you’re exploring vacation shots, real estate tours, or creative panoramas, now you know exactly how to enjoy them in full 360 glory.
FAQs
Q1. Can I view 360 photos in the default Windows 11 Photos app?
Yes, but with limitations. It often shows them as flat images instead of interactive views.
Q2. What’s the easiest free app for 360 photos on Windows 11?
VLC Media Player is the easiest, as it supports 360 photos and videos.
Q3. Do I need special hardware to view 360 photos?
No, you can view them on any PC. But a VR headset gives the most immersive experience.
Q4. Why does my 360 photo look stretched?
Because you’re opening it in a non-360 viewer. Use a dedicated app like GoPro VR Player.
Q5. Can I upload 360 photos directly to social media?
Yes, platforms like Facebook and YouTube support 360-degree content automatically.